Arrowhead Center SBIR Accelerator

Applications are due October 11th | Notices will be sent out October 16th
Apply Here

Real-time Support for SBIR Proposal Package Preparation.

The SBIR submission process can be daunting. Designed as an intensive introduction to SBIR proposal preparation, Arrowhead Center’s SBIR Accelerator (ACSA) provides the structure and support you need to put together a strong proposal package.

Do you have an innovative technology or innovation that has commercial potential?

APPLY HERE

The ACSA Model

 

Putting together a strong SBIR proposal takes time. Drawing on the resources and expertise of NM FAST, ACSA provides a guided, structured track of support, from registration to submission. Throughout the multi-week program, participants receive guidance on areas such as selecting the most relevant topic area, preparing an accurate budget, and creating a complete proposal package. Each week focuses on a different aspect of proposal preparation and creation.

Weekly, participants can expect to:

  • Attend a virtual meeting
  • Complete “assignments” to help them develop a strong proposal package in the future
  • Receive feedback, guidance, and support from NM FAST

For this cohort, the ACSA program will focus on providing participants with general knowledge for addressing needs, writing technically, and determining cost drivers. This 6-week course will be run as a “SBIR 101” crash course for small businesses new to SBIR/STTR funding.

Through the ACSA program, you’ll receive targeted support on the following areas of proposal development:

  • Registrations
  • Diagramming your idea
  • Executive summary & quad chart creation
  • Technical writing
  • Cost driver identification for budget creation

 

Tailored Benefits

Targeted Support

Our team walks you through a typical SBIR proposal development process, from start to finish.

Funding

We want you to submit the strongest proposal possible. To achieve this, you will be matched with a service provider to work on a specific aspect of proposal development (e.g. diagram/figure creation, budget, work plan, etc.). NM FAST will provide payment directly to the service provider to pay for this work.

Professional Review

Having a third party review your proposal is critical. The NM FAST program has SBIR experts on-hand to review and provide constructive feedback before you submit. We will review a future proposal before submission for accuracy, content, and completeness.

Connect

Putting together a quality SBIR proposal package can be overwhelming. We use a cohort-style approach to build a community of innovators working towards a shared goal (Don’t worry: your technology will be covered by a non-disclosure agreement).

We will also connect you to experts – those who live and breathe SBIR – throughout the program. Expect to talk to experienced reviewers, industry experts, and winning proposal writers.

We are looking for small businesses working on innovative ideas in New Mexico.

 

Requirements include:

 

SBIR Program Eligibility:

 

  • Having 500 or fewer employees;
  • Being independently owned and operated and organized for profit;
  • Having your principal place of business in the U.S.;
  • Being at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens;
  • Performing all work within the U.S.;
  • Having the Principal Investigator (PI) spend more than one-half of their time employed by the proposing firm; and,
  • Having a minimum of two-thirds of the research work performed by the proposing firm in Phase I and one-half in Phase II.

To participate in ACSA, additional requirements must be met:

 

  • Business must be working on an idea that aligns with federal agency definitions of “innovative”;
  • Be a New Mexico based small business; and
  • Business cannot have won a SBIR/STTR from any agencies in the past three years.

Timeline

Application Deadline

October 18, 2019

Acceptance Notices Sent

October 23, 2019

First Day of ACSA

October 28, 2019

Last Day of ACSA

December 6, 2019

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does ACSA cost?
There is no cost to participate in ACSA. You do, however, have to be working on a SBIR “ready” technology.
What is the time commitment for participation?
ACSA doesn’t add too much additional time to the proposal development process. Putting together a strong SBIR proposal package typically requires at least 100+ hours, especially for first-time applicants. During the program, you’ll also need to dedicate about two hours each week for a virtual meeting and check-in.
Does participation in ACSA guarantee me a SBIR award?
No. ACSA is designed to help participants put together and submit a stronger proposal package, which increases the success of an award, but in no way guarantees it.
I don’t live in Las Cruces – can I still participate?
Yes! ACSA is a statewide program delivered virtually. You can participate from anywhere.
I don’t have grant writing experience – can I still participate?
Yes! The ACSA program is designed to assist first time applicants and will utilize specialized resources and expertise to help you through the process.

This accelerator is an initative of the NM FAST program, which is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration

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