U.S. Small Business Association’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program has been funding startups and small businesses since 1982, with a goal of stimulating tech innovation and meeting federal research and development needs.
Tech founders can go through the application process for the early-stage research and development funding — which includes creating a detailed proposal package — on their own, but if you’re serious about landing SBIR funds, your best bet is probably to get an assist from the Delaware Small Business Development Center (DSBDC).
According to the SBA, 73% of all Delaware-based technology companies receiving SBIR funds since 2016 have been clients of the DSBDC, and these clients received 86% of all SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer funds awarded in the state.
Those numbers were impressive enough that the SBA selected the SBDC as one of seven organizations to honor with a 2020 Tibbetts Award, which is specifically for those organizations and individuals who have supported the SBIR program. The award also honors SBIR recipient businesses that have shown growth, innovation and job creation. Delaware SBDC is the only Delaware entity to receive an honor for 2020.
The Delaware SBDC’s SBIResource program, which is in partnership with the University of Delaware, offers resources including speaker series; help with establishing partnerships; and help locating space, equipment and talent, as well as application submission support.
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