SBA announces online tutorials

The U.S. Small Business Administration released its highly anticipated Small Business Innovation Research online tutorials to help small businesses navigate the SBIR program. The site provides users with a mobile-compatible site to learn about the program through a combination of videos and text. This platform will provide accessible program information and training resources to underrepresented areas. There is no registration or fee required and the courses are open to all.

“We are excited to introduce these tutorials. We know there are many small businesses in rural communities as well as young entrepreneurs that are unaware of this amazing program,” said Mark Walsh, SBA’s associate administrator for investment and innovation. “SBA has pulled together resources from across the federal government, providing them in a format easily accessible on mobile devices, while allowing users to select just the information they need.”

The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, also called “America’s Seed Fund,” inject $2.5 billion every year into small, innovative and nimble firms across the nation. The mission of each program is to support R&D in technical areas that align with American priorities, and build a strong national economy to meet the pressing needs of the federal government. Currently, there are 11 federal agencies with SBIR/STTR programs.

“This new source should be invaluable to entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of our SBIR and STTR programs, which are the largest source of non-dilutive early stage R&D dollars available to small businesses,” Walsh added. “Further, these courses will help the SBA provide timely and accurate information about the programs to our entrepreneurs regardless of their geographic location or ability to attend one of our conferences or SBIR Road Tour events.”

With 52 modules housed within 10 courses, the platform addresses topics relevant to small businesses new to SBIR/STTR programs and companies that have previously received SBIR funding. In addition, more topics are being developed for future tutorials. Tools, resources, links and quizzes accompany each tutorial to help users navigate the process of applying for and winning federal awards.

Information: www.sbir.gov/tutorials