UW Extension: New course teaches how to make a business case for innovation

MADISON – A new quick course on business development skills for graduate students and early-career
scientists is available through the Center for Technology Commercialization.

SBIR Ready is a free month-long program that teaches students how to evaluate an innovative
technology idea from multiple angles to make a business case. Upon completion of four 3-hour
hands-on workshops, students may take the next step in applying for federal Small Business
Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

The SBIR/STTR programs represent the nation’s largest source of early-stage research and
development funding for small businesses. They are administered by the U.S. Small Business
Administration in collaboration with 11 federal agencies, who collectively support more than $2.5
billion in funding.

SBIR Ready covers Lean Startup methodology and offers practical experience in such business
concepts as market research, planning and budgeting. It also previews the SBIR application
process.

Two cohorts are planned so far for 2017:
1. March: Deadline to apply is Feb. 15. Classes will take place from 2 to 5 p.m.
Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29, concurrently in Milwaukee and Madison; more
details to be announced later.

2. August: Deadline to apply is June 30.
“Practicing the concepts of business development in the SBIR framework is a really great
combination — and could result in over $1 million in grants to grow your career and new
business,” says Robert Meyer, Ph.D., UW-Madison Professor Emeritus and OptSolv CEO.

Interested individuals can apply for SBIR Ready as an individual or a team at
www.wisconsinsbir.org/SBIR-Ready. The webpage also includes a link to the syllabus and
additional information.
Contact Outreach Specialist Margaret Ramey for more information at margaret.ramey@uwex.edu
or 414-227-3165.