MARCH 2012
DEV BUS OF STARTUPS
A 2012 Third DoE Solicitation Released
The Department of Energy, has just released a list of SBIR/STTR topics from its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). This is a third release for fiscal year 2012. This release seeks proposals that offer potential for achieving EERE technology cost and performance targets. Bear in mind that the requirements for this release are different than the prior two releases so be sure to look through the entire solicitation (see chart).
Doe solicitation 
In addition to cost reduction analysis, applications must describe how technology or system performance will be maintained or improved compared to the state of the art. Prior to preparing applications, potential applicants may contact the EERE program point of contact (POC) to discuss the proposed technology development effort. Topics and further information can be found can be found at the DoE website: http://science.energy.gov/sbir/
SBIR/STTR Conference and NIH Regional Seminar

Registration is now open for the 14th Annual NIH SBIR/STTR Conference, May 30 - June 1, in Louisville, KY. Learn the "ins and outs" of the NIH SBIR/STTR programs, including new opportunities, updates, and changes (e.g., electronic submission and policy changes, gap funding programs, commercialization assistance programs). 


This year's conference "The Changing Face of SBIR/STTR", will offer presentations from NIH program staff and other experts, a poster session providing examples of NIH-funded SBIR and STTR projects, exhibits, and opportunities for one-on-one meetings with staff representing several NIH institutes and centers on May 30 and 31. In addition, a la carte workshops, including SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposal Development led by BBC managing partner, Lisa Kurek, will be held on June 1.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has over $700 million for small businesses to perform innovative research in the biomedical/behavioral sciences through its SBIR and STTR Programs. Innovators are invited to meet the NIH mission of improving human health and to develop new technologies with commercial application.
Register today at: http://nih.kysbir.com
Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne to Explore Partnerships with Michigan Companies
The Detroit Regional Chamber's Connection Point is offering and an exclusive opportunity to meet with representatives from Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne during their visit to Detroit, March 20 and 21. On March 20, companies will also have the opportunity learn more about the SBIR/STTR Program and Michigan Assistance Program from BBC partner, Michael Kurek, PhD, who will meet one-on-one with those interested in an assessment of their eligibility for the programs.

PWR has over 50 years of experience in liquid-propulsion systems and space technology. During the event, program managers from PWR will meet one-on-one with businesses specializing in:
Space Propulsion Systems * Thermal Management Systems * Sensors and Actuators * Advanced Materials and Structures * Electrical, Electronics, and Control Systems * Modeling and Simulation Technologies * Manufacturing Technologies * Health Monitoring, Health Management and Safety * Mechanical Systems * Energy Systems.

Companies with an interest in pursuing topics pertaining to power and/or energy solutions are encouraged to apply by March 14. For additional questions, please call 313.596.0382. 

 Coffee Cup Wisdom"Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else." 

 - Peter Drucker, 20th century American business consultant, author, educator 
  
Who we are
BBC is a nationally recognized, results-driven entrepreneurial consulting group specializing in helping emerging companies to win SBIR/STTR funding and use it strategically to propel growth.  BBC-assisted proposals have a success rate 2-3 times the national average across several federal agencies. Its clients have been awarded over $100 million in funding since 2002. Through training courses and one-on-one consulting, experienced and passionate BBC staff members guide client companies through the entire entrepreneurial continuum of proposal preparation, grant management, commercialization and business planning, and obtaining follow-on funding. For more information, email or call us at 734-930-9741.
don't delay to hit submit!  
The April 5 NIH SBIR/STTR submission deadline is fast approaching - and there is no-o-o grace period.  Our recommendation? Hit submit no later that April 1. Questions about electronic submission? Contact BBC: info@bbcetc.com / 734.930.9741.
Read Blogjust posted
Keys to Commercialization: A Series 
Part 1: The Problem 
Thirty years ago, research by Professor Roger Calantone of Michigan State University suggested that new products fail because too little attention has been paid to real needs. In addition, he opined that the most common failures are with products driven by technology rather than what the customer needs.

Sounds like the classic dilemma: technology push vs. market pull. Which camp are you in? Does your elevator pitch begin with a description of your technology? In how much detail can you talk about your customer's problems?
Read on...
 
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"Asking for money to do more science used to work," said Lisa Kurek, BBC's managing partner at a recent University of Chicago Innovation Workshop. "Now, Lisathe SBIR/STTR program looks for applicants that will commercialize a product. Researchers tend to think that it's all about science, but grant reviewers will tell you that if your application is only about science, don't bother applying," she said.
Read the entire article

upcoming
training
SBIR/STTR 101: Introduction & Overview
Apr 12 - Lansing, MI
May 10 - Manchester, NH 
May 21 - Sterling Heights. MI
Jun 14 - Midland, MI  
 
SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep for NIH  
Apr 24-25 - Plymouth, MI
Jun 5-6 - Kalamazoo, MI
Jun 6-7 - Chicago, IL 
 
SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep for NSF  
Mar 22 - Ann Arbor, MI
Apr 19 - Newark, DE

SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep for DoD
May 2 - Grand Rapids, MI (also includes   
  NSF + Grants Management information) 
May 8 - Nashua, NH 
 
Webinars: 
Mar 15 - Tips on Electronic Submission
  to NIH
Mar 29 - SBIR/STTR Program Overview
May 1 - DoD Overview
Jun 28 - Tips on Electronic Submission
  to NIH

5-Part Webinar Series: Government Accounting 
May 3 - Preparing a Budget for SBIR/   
  STTR Proposals
May 10 - Preparing for Gov't. Funding   
  Audits
May 17 - SBIR/STTR Indirect Rate   
  Development
May 24 QuickBooks for SBIR/STTR  
  Funding Recipients
Jun 7 - Managing Your SBIR/STTR Award  
  in a Compliant Manner