“SBIR/STTR Collaboration Strategies” and “Intro to Venture Financing” Doubleheader
February 15, 2007
Norfolk, VA

These back-to-back events are designed to assist Virginia's firms and universities to take advantage of the SBIR and STTR federal R&D funding programs and provide a primer on early angel and venture capital financing. Attendees can take part in the morning STTR Collaboration Session, the afternoon “Intro to Venture Financing”, or both.

Morning session attendees will learn SBIR/STTR collaborative proposal strategy, keys to collaborative research and successful technology transfer, business assistance available to foster collaboration and tech transfer, and how to position research with DOD priority areas. One-on-one meetings with DARPA SBIR/STTR program manager available.

Afternoon session attendees will learn about VC & Angel Investment, Business Plan Development, and tips on how to present to private equity investors. One-on-one coaching sessions to evaluate your readiness for external capital will be available to those who are interested. You’ll also learn about CIT’s GAP Fund and how it can accelerate the growth and development of early stage technology companies.

Both sessions are ideal for University Researchers at Old Dominion University, Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Thomas Jefferson Labs, William & Mary, and Small Technology Businesses in the Tidewater Regions. Researchers and technology firms from other universities and regions across Virginia are also welcome to attend.

AGENDA:

Morning Session:
“SBIR/STTR Collaboration”

8:00-8:30AM – Morning Check-in & Registration

8:30-8:45AM – Overview of CIT’s Federal Funding and Capital Access programs

8:45-9:30AM-- Breakfast Presentation: “STTR/SBIR -- What's in it for the university and why should the non-profit research community pay attention?”

• Ideal for university department heads, new and experienced research faculty not fully familiar with the STTR program, graduate students conducting R&D, and researchers interested in earning income by transferring their research to federal and private sectors. Small technology businesses are also welcome. Session presented by John Davis, The SBIR Resource Center.

9:30-10:30AM -- STTR Overview, insights, and advantages (for potential applicant teams)

10:30-11:30AM -- STTR & Collaboration Strategies

• Collaboration Tips, Selecting a Target Agency/Topic, Building a Team, Keeping the Focus, Producing an Application, Considering Commercialization

11:30-12:15PM -- University Resources Panel Presentation

• Employing the resources available at universities and research labs to assist tech transfer and/or successfully develop small business ventures. Representatives from local universities and labs discuss their services and tech transfer policies and procedures. Moderated by John Davis, SBIR Resource Center.

12:15-1:00 Lunch Speakers – Opportunities at DARPA and DoD

• A review of DARPA/DOD probable topic categories in the next STTR and SBIR cycles, how to contact the agency to discuss your ideas, and suggestions to make your communications with the government more successful. Presented by Connie Jacobs, DARPA SBIR/STTR Program Manager

1:00-2:30PM – Brief One-on- One sessions with CIT, DARPA, and SBIR Resource Center reps

Afternoon Session:
“Private Funding, Business Plans, & Presentation Tips”

1:30-1:45 – Afternoon Check-in and Registration

1:45-2:15 PM – Introduction to Venture Capital

• This primer on early stage venture capital and angel investment will cover fund structure, investor motivation and expectations, and the basic terms and conditions of private equity financing.

2:15-2:45PM – Business Plan Development

• An investor-side discussion of what makes a business plan succeed or fail, this module offers an in-depth discussion of the major section of this important selling tool.

3:45-3:150 -- Presentation Pointers

• This module will offer attendees insights on how to craft a compelling presentation that will grab and hold the attention of and angel or early stage venture investors.

3:15-3:30PM – Overview of CIT’s Federal Funding and Capital Access programs

• Attendees will learn about CIT’s GAP Fund, the Commonwealth’s premier seed stage venture fund.

3:30-5:00 -- Company Coaching Sessions (One-on-One Meetings with CIT)

Advance registration requested

Register: Click here

Location:
Holiday Inn Select
1570 North Military Highway
Norfolk, VA 23502
Hotel Front Desk: 1-757-213-2231

Cost: Morning Session Only: $10 (Includes lunch)

Afternoon Session Only: $10

Both Sessions: $15

Contact: Robert Brooke, 703-689-3080, rbrooke@cit.org