About this Event
NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Workshop & Writing Clinic
January 26-27, 2026
Charlottesville, VA
The National Institutes of Health provides over $1 Billion per year in support of small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. VIPC and Life Science Works provide expert guidance and grant development assistance to put life science entrepreneurs on the path to securing an SBIR or STTR grant from NIH. Learn how at our 1.5 day in-depth workshop! This is a hands-on course during which participants learn the particulars of each section of the application with a focus on what reviewers are looking for and how to avoid common mistakes made in applications.
Participants will leave with a solid understanding of the do’s and don’ts in each section of the Application (Day 1) and with a draft of an Aims page (Day 2). The Aims page is the gateway to your first interaction with the NIH Program Officer who will give you feedback on suitability of your project for the SBIR portfolio of his/her Institute. Day 2 work will include 1:1 time with our workshop lead.
Our in-person workshop presenter, Rich Giersch, has decades of experience in securing SBIR/STTR grants for his own companies and in guiding small businesses through the SBIR/STTR application process through leadership roles held in the states of Washington (Life Science Washington Institute) and West Virginia where he developed and led the tech transfer office at WVU, among other roles.
Given the in-depth nature of the course, attendance is limited to 20 participants. Those attending day 2 should be targeting an April 2027 NIH SBIR/STTR Submission.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Hosted by VIPC
TIME:
• January 26, 8:30AM-9AM Check-in, 9AM-4PM Training
• January 27, 8:30AM-9AM Check-in, Coffee/Bagels, 9AM-2PM Training
COST: Virginia co’s & University $40 per person, $75 all others – Includes coffee, bagels, and lunch both days. Virginia-based firms ONLY.
LOCATION: Charlottesville SBDC Offices (Carter Bank Building), 300 Preston Ave., 2nd Floor, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Event venue & nearby stays
Carter Bank, 300 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville, United States
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