One of the biggest challenges facing early stage founders is finding the capital needed to move from concept to commercialization. While venture capital and angel investment often dominate conversations about startup funding, they are not the only options available.

For founders developing innovative technologies, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer a unique opportunity to secure significant funding without giving up ownership in their company.

These federal programs have helped thousands of startups develop new technologies, conduct research and development, and bring innovations to market. If you’re building a solution in CleanTech, AgriFoodTech, Health and Life Sciences, Zero Emission Vehicles, or other deep technology sectors, understanding SBIR and STTR funding could be a game changer for your business.

To help founders learn how to pursue these opportunities, Sacramento State’s Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance are hosting The SBIR/STTR Playbook: A 3-Part Series this July. More details are provided below.

What Are SBIR and STTR Programs?

Often referred to as “America’s Seed Fund,” SBIR and STTR programs provide federal research and development funding to small businesses working on innovative technologies.

Participating agencies include organizations such as the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, and NASA. These agencies fund projects that address critical national challenges while helping startups advance new technologies toward commercialization.

Unlike traditional investment, SBIR and STTR funding is non-dilutive. That means founders can receive capital without giving up equity or ownership in their company.

For startups with ambitious technical goals, this can provide valuable runway to validate technology, develop prototypes, conduct testing, and prepare for future growth.

Why Founders Should Pay Attention Right Now

SBIR and STTR programs recently received renewed authorization through 2031 after experiencing their first authorization lapse in more than four decades. Federal agencies are actively restarting solicitations, creating new opportunities for startups seeking research and development funding.

For founders who have considered applying but were unsure where to start, now may be the ideal time to learn the process and prepare a competitive application.

The challenge is that federal funding applications can be complex. Understanding agency priorities, proposal requirements, commercialization strategies, and review criteria often requires specialized knowledge that many first-time applicants do not yet have.

A Hands-On Workshop Series for Startup Founders

To help founders navigate the process, the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State and the Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance are hosting The SBIR/STTR Playbook: A 3-Part Series. The program is co-produced with Scout Climate and Advocacy Chiefs, organizations that provide direct SBIR/STTR application expertise.

Participants will work directly on developing their funding strategy and application preparation throughout the three sessions.

Session 1: Finding Your Fit

Tuesday, July 7 | Noon to 1:30 PM (Online) RSVP Here

Founders will explore whether SBIR/STTR funding is the right fit for their company, identify relevant agencies, and learn how to evaluate funding opportunities. Participants leave with target agencies and topics identified for their business.

Session 2: Building a Competitive Application

Wednesday, July 8 | Noon to 1:30 PM (Online) RSVP Here

This session focuses on proposal development, including technical narratives, commercialization plans, budgets, team composition, and letters of support. Founders will gain insight into what reviewers look for and common mistakes that can weaken applications.

Session 3: From Submission to Award and Beyond

Thursday, July 9 | Noon to 1:30 PM (Online) RSVP Here

The final session covers what happens after submission, how to prepare for future funding phases, and strategies for combining SBIR/STTR funding with angel or venture capital investments. Participants will also learn about new program requirements and commercialization pathways.

Who Should Attend?

This series is particularly valuable for founders building technology-driven companies in:

  • CleanTech
  • AgriFoodTech
  • Health and Life Sciences
  • Zero Emission Vehicle technologies
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Deep technology sectors

Whether you are exploring federal funding for the first time or preparing for an upcoming application, the workshop provides practical guidance that can help you move forward with confidence.

Wrap-Up

Many startups spend months searching for investors while overlooking funding opportunities specifically designed to support innovation. SBIR and STTR programs can provide substantial capital without requiring founders to give up ownership in their company.

If your startup is developing innovative technology and you are interested in federal funding opportunities, The SBIR/STTR Playbook offers a structured, hands-on way to understand the process and begin preparing a competitive application. Rather than learning through trial and error, founders can gain expert guidance, actionable insights, and a clearer path toward securing the funding needed to advance their technology and grow their business.

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