Build the Commercial Foundation for a Competitive Phase I Proposal
Preparing to pursue SBIR/STTR funding? Build the market evidence, commercialization strategy, and project pitch needed to strengthen your Phase I application.
This six-week workshop combines hands-on customer discovery, expert instruction, and individualized mentorship to help technology innovators validate their market opportunity and develop a credible commercialization plan. Participants will work with an assigned business mentor (Entrepreneur-in-Residence/EIR) and receive feedback from experts familiar with the SBIR/STTR process.
Limited space available. Applications are due September 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Turn Market Insights into a Stronger SBIR/STTR Proposal
Go beyond the classroom with an experiential program designed to help you test your assumptions, understand your customers, and translate what you learn into a stronger commercialization strategy.
Get Hands-On Guidance Throughout the Program
This active, team-based workshop allows you to work with an assigned Entrepreneur in Residence who will provide weekly feedback, support customer discovery, and help you strengthen your Project Pitch and commercialization strategy.
Conduct
Customer interviews
Weekly
EIR Mentorship
Expert
Panel Feedback
Six Weeks from Customer Discovery to Business Model Validation
Move step-by-step from understanding your customer and market opportunity to developing a commercialization roadmap and preparing your Phase I proposal.
CUSTOMER DISCOVERY
Customer + Value Proposition
MARKET OPPORTUNITY
TAM/SAM/SOM + Beachhead Market
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
Competitors + Intellectual Property
BUSINESS MODEL
Go-to-Market Strategy
COMMERCIALIZATION
Roadmap + Use of Funds
FINAL PRESENTATIONS
Business Pitch + Expert Review
Fall 2026 SBIR Phase 1 Class Schedule
| Class | Date | Time | Format | Topic | |
| 0 | 10/5/26 | 5-7 PM | In-person | Orientation & Project Pitch | Weekly 1:1 Mentoring Sessions |
| 1 | 10/7/26 | 5-7 PM | Virtual | Customer Discovery & Value Proposition | |
| 2 | 10/14/26 | 5-7 PM | Virtual | Market Opportunity | |
| 3 | 10/21/26 | 5-7 PM | Virtual | Competitive Analysis | |
| 4 | 10/28/26 | 5-7 PM | Virtual | Business Model and Go to Market Strategy | |
| 5 | 11/4/26 | 5-7 PM | Virtual | Commercialization Roadmap | |
| 6 | 11/18/26 | 5-7 PM | In-person | Next Steps & Final Team Presentations | |
Who Should Apply
This workshop is designed for innovative companies, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators preparing to pursue a Phase I SBIR/STTR award. Ideal participants have a technology-based discovery with commercial potential and are prepared to dedicate the time needed to complete the program.
Applicants should be prepared to:
- Submit a draft Project Pitch
- Participate in a short admission interview
- Conduct customer discovery throughout the program
- Be actively seeking a Phase I SBIR/STTR award
Important Notes
- Class orientation will be on Monday, October 5th, 2026
- Classes will begin on Wednesday October 7th and end on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 and will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- The majority of this course is delivered online, but includes 2 required in-person commitments
- The first and final sessions will be held in person
Program Commitment: Expect to spend about 5 hours per week, including weekly sessions, customer interviews, mentor meetings, and assignments.
Prepare Your Innovation for Phase I Funding
Build the customer evidence, commercialization strategy and Project Pitch needed to take the next step toward a competitive Phase I application.
Space is limited. Apply by September 25, 2026.
The SBIR Phase 1 Workshop Series is Supported By:
