2022 Course Dates Coming Soon
A new Train-the-Trainer course will likely be released in July at the earliest.
Overview of the Train the Trainer Program
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) continuously strives to expand the overall awareness of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. SBIR/STTR non-dilutive funding is a proven critical ingredient in establishing and growing technology-driven startups and small businesses.
A primary role of the SBA Office of Innovation and Technology (OI&T) is to increase the success that entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities have in winning SBIR/STTR awards. The Train-the-Trainer (TTT) series is a foundational tool designed to expand the awareness and quality of the assistance available to the underserved tech entrepreneur.
The TTT curriculum was initially developed for the service provider whose primary focus is working with the tech/R&D entrepreneur, with courses on helping potential applicants and first time awardees. To increase awareness of the SBIR/STTR programs across SBA itself, especially the Field Offices, OI&T added "An Introduction to SBIR/STTR and the Innovation Ecosystem". This course is designed for individuals who support technology based economic development, but do not work directly with entrepreneurs, so they may build connections within the broader ecosystem. We have increased the number of these courses being offered and invite organizations beyond SBA to participate in the TTT initiative.
The three courses offered vary in focus, intensity, and length, with a virtual class once a week to enable distance learning. Each course is offered over a period of 5 to 10 weeks.
As the courses are interactive, we have found that attendees benefit most with the cohort is tailored to specific types of organizations, such as PTACs, SBDCs, PCRs, and the like. You will therefore see some course dates with specific organization types listed. While the cohorts will be targeted to that group, it will not be limited to only that group. SBA will use the information provided in your registration request to approve participation.
The courses are free, but registration must be approved by SBA OI&T. These courses are not for individual companies or entrepreneurs; they are only available for those that provide training and support to the entrepreneur.
For general information on TTT, please contact technology@sba.gov.
An Introduction to SBIR/STTR and the Innovation Ecosystem
Eligibility: Determined by SBA based on application to course
This course provides an understanding of the type of companies and work that are typically funded by the SBIR/STTR programs, so you can understand how SBIR/STTR fits into the portfolio of resources for small businesses. The course aims for you to develop a base of knowledge, and includes briefing materials and addresses frequently asked questions. It walks you through the many resources available on SBIR.gov, how to find topics, training material for the entrepreneur, and the role of the Office of Innovation and Technology at SBA. You will learn how to find local support organizations that are either funded directly by SBA OI&T or in the broader SBIR support organization network. These can be great partners for your office, and a resource you can refer clients to that are a good fit for the SBIR/STTR programs.
This course is not for individual companies or entrepreneurs, but for those that support the broader innovation ecosystem. If you work directly with entrepreneurs, please skip this course and start with the course on Helping Potential SBIR/STTR Applicants.
Comprised of five lessons, the intro course will require one hour a week to attend a live webinar and an additional hour to complete a weekly assignment. At the conclusion of this course, you will be prepared to present about the SBIR/STTR programs using slides that reflect the changes taking place in this dynamic field. Those that complete the lessons will receive a Certificate of Completion from SBA.
Helping Potential SBIR/STTR Applicants
Eligibility: Determined by SBA based on application to course
This course is designed for service providers who want to be better prepared to assist clients who appear to be a good match for either of these two programs. The intro class is not a pre-requisite, as much of the same materials will be included throughout this (extended) course.
Comprised of ten lessons, this course will help service providers feel more confident in the guidance they provide. Individuals who complete the entire sequence of 10 lessons will receive a Certificate of Completion from SBA. This course is offered in a compressed eight-week format with two lessons the first and last week. The remainder will have one lesson per week. Participants should anticipate that each lesson will require 2 hours of preparation time in addition to participation in a live webinar associated with each lesson.
Helping First Time SBIR/STTR Awardees
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of “Helping Potential SBIR/STTR Applicants” or SBA approval
First time awardees have a great deal to learn about how to be a responsible government awardee. Without appropriate guidance, it is easy for a firm to find itself faced by a number of problems because they did not understand the importance of many things at the outset: keeping timecards; allocating funds appropriately to different pools; how to negotiate agreements with universities; and the list goes on and on… The purpose of this course is to help you, the service provider, understand what it means to be a government contractor or grantee – so that you can better assist first time winners.
This course is divided into ten lessons, each with a discussion thread and an individual homework assignment. Everyone who completes the course will receive a Certificate of Completion from SBA.
