SBIR Talks: Monthly Webinar Series for Innovation Funding Readiness

Join Our Monthly Webinar

SBIR Talks is UCR’s new monthly webinar series designed to help startups, entrepreneurs, faculty innovators, researchers, and small businesses better understand and pursue Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding opportunities.

Hosted virtually via Zoom, this recurring series features subject matter experts, grant professionals, and ecosystem partners who share practical, actionable guidance on the federal innovation funding landscape - from preparing competitive proposals and navigating agency priorities to understanding eligibility, commercialization readiness, and leveraging expert support in areas such as grant strategy, legal, finance, and accounting.

Whether you are exploring SBIR/STTR funding for the first time or preparing for your next application, SBIR Talks is designed to connect you with timely insights, practical tools, and relevant resources to help move your innovation from research to market.

REGISTER FOR THE NEXT WEBINAR

Who Should Attend

SBIR Talks is ideal for:

Early-stage startups pursuing non-dilutive funding
Small businesses interested in federal R&D grant opportunities
University-affiliated innovators and research teams
Faculty founders and technology commercialization teams
Entrepreneurs exploring SBIR/STTR as part of their funding strategy
Companies preparing for Phase I, Phase II, or commercialization pathways
Innovation ecosystem partners supporting high-growth ventures

What You’ll Learn

Topics may include:

SBIR and STTR program fundamentals
Agency-specific funding opportunities and priorities
How to determine whether your company is a fit for SBIR/STTR
Building a strong Phase I proposal strategy
Common proposal mistakes and how to avoid them
Understanding the path from Phase I to Phase II and beyond
Commercialization planning and customer discovery
Budgeting, compliance, and financial considerations
Legal and accounting considerations for grant-funded startups
Post-award support, partnerships, and follow-on funding pathways

Hosted by UCR’s SBIR/STTR Resource Center

SBIR Talks is hosted by UC Riverside’s SBIR/STTR Resource Center, part of the Office of Technology Partnerships. The Center supports small businesses and UCR faculty in identifying funding opportunities, understanding program requirements, and navigating the complexities of the SBIR/STTR funding landscape through educational programming, proposal development support, and commercialization guidance. The Center is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and partners closely with UCR’s EPIC Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

In addition to the monthly webinar series, participants may also benefit from broader support and future programming opportunities such as:

Small group coaching workshops
Innovation office hours
Expert sessions in legal, finance, and accounting
Resource connections across the UCR innovation ecosystem
Potential technology and research matchmaking opportunities
Future regional convenings focused on SBIR/STTR and commercialization pathways

Register For the Next Webinar

Ready to learn how SBIR/STTR funding can support your innovation journey?

Join us for the next SBIR Talks session and gain practical guidance from experts who understand the path from early-stage innovation to commercialization.