The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $200 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery.

Join our virtual SBIR classroom for an overview of the NSF SBIR/STTR program and proposal requirements. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.

You’ll learn:

• NSF’s program goals and eligibility
• How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools (Research.gov)
• The importance of Program Managers
• Application components and proposal scoring
• How to avoid common pitfalls and more!

Fee:

• $150
• $75 Michigan-based companies

About the Presenter:

BBCetc Senior Principal Consultant, Jerry Hollister
Jerry is a BBCetc Senior Principal Consultant, joining the company in 2017 with 30 years of leadership experience in government, higher education, non-profit and for-profit enterprises. After earning an engineering degree from the University of Michigan, he served as commissioned Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps and a warranted Contracting Officer for the Dept. of Defense. Prior to joining BBCetc, Jerry was Chief Operating Officer for Michigan-based Niowave, a developer of superconducting electron accelerators, where he worked to build the successful start-up company from 2008-17. Jerry was instrumental in Niowave receiving over 45 SBIR awards. Niowave was named the 2010 SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year by the Dept. of Energy and, in 2016, was honored with the S.B.A.’s Tibbetts Award, which recognizes the best in SBIR achievement.  Before joining Niowave, Jerry served in a number of non-profit and educational roles following his honorable discharge from the Navy.

BBCetc Principal Consultant Amanda Barnhart, MBA
Amanda joined BBCetc as Principal Consultant in 2020 after serving as the Director of Business Development and Regulatory Affairs for a Michigan manufacturing facility producing medical isotopes for cancer therapy. In addition to her directorial responsibilities, Amanda worked as a nuclear engineer, project manager, and program manager to secure over $60 million in Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and private investor funds. Her grant writing and negotiation skills have won over 30 Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III contracts through the SBIR/STTR program and she has managed the post-award administration process for five universities and six national laboratories. Amanda secured three licenses and 20 amendments from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and established facility registration and Drug Master Files with the Food and Drug Administration. She has an Executive MBA in Integrative Management from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Do you know about Michigan’s SBIR/STTR Assistance Program?  The Michigan SBIR/STTR Assistance Program provides SBIR/STTR training and proposal development services to technology companies with most costs covered by a state grant. The program is managed by BBCetc.

Funds for this initiative were provided by the 21st Century Jobs Fund, a MSF program designed to accelerate the growth and diversification of Michigan’s economy.