Friday, August 16, 2019 | 7:15 am-3:45 pm

SBA SBIR Road Tour

ALL EVENTS

Friday, August 16, 2019
7:30 am-3:00 pm

UCAR Center Green Campus
3080 Center Green Dr.
Boulder, CO 80301

$69/attendee
[Scholarships Available]

Calling All Small Technology Firms & Innovators!

America’s largest seed fund is coming to Colorado!

The 2019 SBIR Road Tour is a national outreach effort connecting entrepreneurs working on advanced technologies to the country’s largest source of early stage funding—the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Also known as America’s Seed Fund, the SBIR/STTR programs provide over $3 billion in funding to small businesses each year in a wide variety of technology areas.

The 2019 SBIR Road Tour Southwest stop will be hosted by the Boulder Small Business Development Center at the UCAR Conference Center (in Boulder) on August 16. The event will provide attendees with an opportunity to hear directly from the participating federal agency program managers that administer over 5,000 new awards annually and to meet one-on-one with program decision makers.

Innovators, entrepreneurs, research and small technology firms—don’t miss this opportunity! Gain an in-depth understanding of agency technology funding priorities, plus one-on-one meetings with high level decision makers as well as connecting with local assistance.

Meet One-on-One with SBIR/STTR Program Managers, including:

  • Navy
  • Department of Defense
  • DHS – Department of Homeland Security
  • FLC – Federal Laboratory Consortium
  • NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • NSF – National Science Foundation
  • USPTO
  • DOE – Department of Energy
  • USAF – U.S. Air Force
  • NAVSEA – Naval Sea Systems Command
  • DARPA – Defense Advanced Research Agency
  • USDA – Department of Agriculture
  • SOCOM
  • NIST – National Institute of Standards and Technology
  • NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Agenda:
7:30-8:00 am Registration & Networking
8:00 am-12:00 pm SBIR/STTR Federal Agency Presentations, Panel Sessions and *One-on-One Meetings
8:00-8:15 am Welcome
Bob Yates | Boulder City Council
Joey Jenkins | Colorado Small Business Development Center Network
8:15-8:45 am America's Seed Fund - SBIR/STTR Overview
U.S. Small Business Administration
8:45-9:00 am Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC)
Jeff Walenta | S&T Transfer Coordinator (Plains Area Director's Office), USDA Agricultural Research Service
9:00-10:10 am
 		Reverse Pitches - 5 Minute Agency Elevator Pitch
  • U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 
  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • National Science Foundation (NSF)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Department of Defense - Air Force (USAF)
  • Department of Defense - Navy (DON)
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
  • Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
  • U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
10:10-10:40 am Flexible Funding Opportunities: The Granting Agencies
Panel discussion with Program Managers highlighting the unique aspects guiding the SBIR granting agencies. Topics include agency interest points, investigator-initiated projects, proposal evaluation, agency contacts, and commercialization strategies.
  • Moderator: U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Chris O'Gwin | Outreach and Assistance Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
  • Patricia A. Weber, DrPH | Program Director - National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
  • Linda K. Molnar, PhD | Program Director, Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, National Science Foundation
  • Elden Hawkes | Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Agriculture
10:40-10:55 am U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
David Le | Primary Patent Examiner/Acting Regional Outreach Office, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
10:55-11:25 am Surprising Opportunities with DoD and NASA
Panel discussion with Program Managers highlighting the varied nature of NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) Agencies, which together account for almost half of the SBIR/STTR award dollars each year. Focus areas include topic selection, evaluation rigidity, proposal assistance, DoD/NASA as an investor and a customer, data rights, and transitioning to Phase III.
  • Moderator: U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Derek Bramble | SBIR/STTR Program Support, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • Anne Neumann | SBPO | Program Manager, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • Richard McNamara | RRM & Associates, LLC, Naval Seas System Command
  • Mario Rios | AF SBIR/CRP Program Support, U.S. Air Force
11:25 am-12:00 pm Inside the Head of an Evaluator: Common Mistakes
Panel discussion with Agency Program Managers on the most common and avoidable mistakes made by applicants, as well as candid insights for preparing more competitive proposals.
  • Moderator: U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Dusty Land | SBIR Management and Program Analyst, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Robert Renner | SBIR/STTR/RIF DPM, Marine Corps Systems Command
  • Linda K. Molnar, PhD | Program Director, Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, National Science Foundation
  • Anthony Aldrich | SBIR Program Manager, U.S. Special Operations Command
    • 12:00-1:15 pm Lunch & Entrepreneur Panel
    Small business founders share their experiences with the SBIR/STTR program
    • Mark Gordon | President and CEO, Stratom Inc.
    • Erica Dawson | Chief Technical Officer, InDevR, Inc.
    • Christine Fanchiang | CEO, The Space Research Company
    1:15-2:00 pm Break & Visit Exhibitors Roundtable Conversations
    Choose topics that are relevant to your business for discussion with a subject matter expert or share stories with other entrepreneurs about your own experiences with the SBIR/STTR program. Some discussion topics include writing a technology commercialization plan, doing the research for a technology commercialization plan and marketing for technology companies.         		Workshop: "Legal Matters -- Topics that Arise As You Grow Your Innovative Business -- Bring Your Questions"
    Carrie Schiff | Co-Founder, Sage Law Group LLC
    2:00-2:45 pm Break & Visit Exhibitors Roundtable Conversations
    Choose topics that are relevant to your business for discussion with a subject matter expert or share stories with other entrepreneurs about your own experiences with the SBIR/STTR program. Some discussion topics include writing a technology commercialization plan, doing the research for a technology commercialization plan and marketing for technology companies.         		Workshop: "How to Calculate Indirect Rates and other Accounting Topics - Bring Your Questions"
    Brian L. Ormsby | Founder & CEO, Pantheon Solutions, LLC
    2:45-3:00 pm Closing Remarks

    The event will also consist of:

    • Resource partner exhibit tables
    • Table topics with subject matter experts(e.g. how to do the research to fuel a technology commercialization plan, how to write a technology commercialization plan, R&D tax credits, legal matters)
    • Help with registrations and certifications from PTAC, SBA and MBO

    *One-on-One sessions run concurrently with agency presentations and panels. Agenda subject to change.

    REGISTER

    Scholarships are available!

    Women- and minority-owned technology companies/entrepreneurs (prestartup) throughout Colorado and any tech company/entrepreneur based in rural Colorado may be eligible for a scholarship to cover the cost of the event.

    APPLY NOW

    Anne Neumann

    Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
    SBPO | Program Manager

    Christina "Tina" Barnhill

    Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
    Acting SBIR/STTR Operations Manager

    Mary Clague

    National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
    NIST SBIR Program Manager

    Linda K. Molnar, PhD

    National Science Foundation (NSF)
    Program Director, Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, Engineering Directorate

    Mario Rios

    U.S. Air Force (USAF)
    Air Force SBIR/STTR Portfolio Manager

    Elden Hawkes

    U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
    Program Specialist

    Richard McNamara

    U.S. Navy/Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
    RRM & Associates, LLC.

    David Le

    U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
    Primary Patent Examiner/Acting Regional Outreach Officer

    Jeff Walenta

    Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC)
    Scientific Technology Transfer Coordinator for the Plains Area Director’s Office at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

    Dr. Quenton Bonds

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    SBIR/STTR Center Co-Lead

    Patricia A. Weber, DrPH

    National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    Program Director – National Cancer Institute

    Murali Nair

    National Science Foundation (NSF)
    Program Director for Electronic Hardware, Robotics, and Wireless Technologies with the SBIR/STTR Program

    John D. Eisemann

    U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA - APHIS) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services National Wildlife Research Center
    Technology Transfer Program Manager

    Dusty Lang

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
    SBIR Management and Program Analyst

    Brittany Sickler

    U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
    Outreach and Partnership Strategist, Office of Innovation

    Derek Bramble

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
    Lead SBIR Support

    Robert Renner, Jr.

    Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCOR)
    Deputy Program Manager for the Small Business Innovation Research Program Office

    Dr. Peter B. Roohr

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    Meteorologist

    Dave Pope

    U.S. Air Force (USAF)
    Program Outreach AFRL/SB - Peerless Technologies Corp.

    Christopher O'Gwin

    U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
    Outreach and Assistance Program Manager

    Joshua Arnold

    U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
    General Engineer

    Star Wilbraham

    U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
    Senior Advisor, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

    Anthony Aldrich

    U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
    SBIR Program Manager for Special Operations Forces, Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (SOF AT&L)
    "The small business support from Colorado SBDC is phenomenal. The consultants are of the highest quality, high integrity, trustworthy and incredibly helpful. The time savings and ability to take on more work is facilitated by having this kind of support available to the small business, particularly in the technology sector."
    Ratiocinative Engineering Services LLC
    Ratiocinative Engineering Services LLCHelen Petach
    "Thank you for the SBDC help once again. I submitted our latest SBIR Phase I proposal to USDA yesterday. Brian Ormsby was invaluable with helping with the budget calculations, particularly the indirect rate calculations, and his style ("no nonsense, let’s get the numbers calculated and into the right places on the budget forms") was exactly what I needed."
    Pisces Molecular
    Pisces MolecularJohn Wood
    "Through the SBDC, I received significant support in business development, marketing, financial projection, customer discovery, government compliance and many other business aspects. This support allowed me to have a strong start for my startup company, write solid proposals (including a commercialization plan for the SBIR grant) and be successively awarded SBIR Phase I and Phase II grants by USDA NIFA. But the most valuable part was, because of the SBDC and their consultants, I feel like I have a team of professionals ready to cover my back in the most important journey in my life - building a small business."
    SunCatch Ltd
    SunCatch LtdOlga Marinkina
    "Thank you for organizing this great informative session on the PPP utilization part. I have been in conversation with Dan King and want you to know that you guys are doing a great job in helping small businesses like us. Thank you for all the work you guys do!"
    Durgesh Singh
    Durgesh SinghMagswitch Technology
    "Thank you so much for your time! Besides the great information, your energy and support were priceless! It is so good to feel you are not alone in this journey."
    Laila Marzall
    Laila MarzallTSM Microwave
    "As a new resident in rural Colorado I was truly at a loss about the tech community out here until I attended the SBDC TechSource event in Salida. I was truly impressed by the quality of the content at the event (compared to similar events in Chicago), was able to make some great connections within the local community, and was able to sign up for additional services as well. SBDC assisted us with market research which helped expedite our focus in Colorado and helped connect us with funding sources to expand. Beyond that they were quick to respond, a pleasure to work with, and went above and beyond with their services. I would absolutely recommend SBDC TechSource to another tech company, especially for companies outside of the front range that are looking to connect and grow rapidly."
    Chris McLaughlin
    Chris McLaughlinVital Command
    "We have certainly worked with SBDC in the past and think Sharon and the rest of your office serve a critical function and put on excellent events to support the small business community."
    Erica Dawson
    Erica DawsonInDevR
    "After almost two months of messing with Chase Bank, Susan got us the PPP loan filed and approved in about 8 hours. I hesitate to celebrate until money is in the bank, but it’s looking good and Susan was absolutely amazing. Of course, I’m wouldn't even be talking to Susan if you hadn't made the connection, so chalk up another small business success to SBDC. I see why you’re the best on the country. This loan was crucial to our success at a critical time in the world. All I can say is thank you."
    Jeff Schott
    Jeff SchottEarthvisionz
    "I just wanted to send a quick note and let you know how helpful Brian Ormsby has been. He responded to my query about a week and answered a bunch of questions about the EIDL, and then we talked again to day about the PPP. I’ve asked several other resources about my PPP questions and he was the first person to answer them. I can’t stress enough how nice it is to be able to talk directly to someone who can answer questions about all of these programs. So thank you very much for making him available...!"
    David W. PaulsonAccuer, Inc.
    "Colorado SBDC Techsource assisted our start-up company in multiple ways: by providing us with a competitive analysis that we use in our Business Plan, providing advice on an SBIR proposal, and by providing some pro bono legal work, that helped with the current investment round. All of which were very helpful to a small business with limited resources."
    Diana Hall
    Diana HallActivArmor
    "We still have steps to go but we are excited and confident that we will have a technology startup that works globally based in SW Colorado and we hope others will follow. We would not have made the progress we have without the advice and help of Colorado SBDC."
    Michael Engleman
    Michael EnglemanMission Sports
    "When I was first beginning Sandbox Solar, I was referred to the SBDC in Greeley. Jenn and the team helped connect me with a lot of people including our current lawyers and accountants. Sandbox Solar has steadily grown since then into the leading solar installer in Northern Colorado. Our company moved into the Colorado State University Powerhouse in 2015. Through that relationship we have been involved in research including Agrivoltaics. Our team is beginning the commercialization phase of this new concept and business model. We turned to SBDC to assist with market research. This was incredibly beneficial to receive market reports that would be otherwise inaccessible. The research was presented to us in a way that has helped narrow our focus and commercialization plan. Our team is excited for the next steps of our new ventures and value the SBDC as a strong partner moving forward. I would highly recommend the SBDC to any company in any stage, because their team has the resources and connections to help find answers."
    Ian Skor
    Ian SkorSandbox Solar
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    The Colorado Small Business Development Center Network is a partnership between the State of Colorado, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Small Business Administration (SBA), Colorado’s institutions of higher education, local economic development organizations and local chambers of commerce. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration.

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