From Lab to Launch:
A Seminar on SBIR Funding for Research-Driven Organizations
Join us for a half-day seminar focused on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a federal funding opportunity designed to help innovative small businesses advance research and development with commercial potential.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
9:00 am to 1:00 pm • Free to Attend • Lunch Included
Join us at Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem, PA
Questions? Email events@nep.benfranklin.org
Register for a chance to be selected for a free one-on-one guidance session after the seminar. A limited number of free individual consultation sessions will be available for select organizations seeking personalized feedback and guidance related to SBIR/STTR funding opportunities. These consultations will be held between 1-4pm at TechVentures on September 9, immediately following the seminar. When you register online, please indicate whether you would like to be considered for a one-on-one guidance session.
SBIR Seminar
Participants will hear from Jerry Hollister, SBIR/STTR Consultant and Executive Consultant and Co-Owner of BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting. Drawing on his extensive experience helping companies secure and leverage federal innovation funding, Jerry will provide an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs, explain how the funding process works, discuss eligibility requirements, review reauthorization updates, and share practical guidance for organizations considering an application.
Attendees will also hear from Kelly Wylam, Executive Director of Innovation Partnership (IPart) at Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Kelly will discuss the resources and support available through Innovation Partnership to help Pennsylvania companies pursue SBIR/STTR funding and strengthen their commercialization efforts.
Whether you are new to SBIR/STTR funding or exploring opportunities to support your next stage of research, development, and commercialization, this seminar will help you better understand the resources that are available.
Our Agenda
8:30am: Welcome & Introduction
9:00am: SBIR/STTR Overview & Reauthorization Updates
10:15am: Break
10:30am: Finding an Agency & Building a Quality Team
11:30am: Lunch & Overview of Innovation Partnership
12:00pm: Essentials of SBIR/STTR Commercialization
12:45pm: Break
1:00 to 4:00 pm: One-on-one sessions with BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting