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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Resource Center

Funding Research & Development for Maine’s Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) is proud to announce its selection as the 2024 recipient of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program Award for the state of Maine. This prestigious award is given to one organization per state, based on a competitive selection process, to support initiatives that increase Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal submissions from underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in rural regions.

All interested startups should fill out the below form:

SBIR/STTR Assistance

The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards from women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas – typically rural states.

FAST awards build the SBIR/STTR ecosystem through:

  • Outreach: increase the pipeline of SBIR/STTR applicants through training and outreach; and build the capacity of partner organizations and individuals to support SBIR/STTR applicants and existing awardees.
  • Technical and business assistance: support entrepreneurs and startups through programs or services that improve proposal development and team creation; provide assistance that leads to the commercialization of technology developed through SBIR/STTR program funding; and form or encourage relevant mentoring networks to provide business advice and counseling.

Entrepreneur in Residence RFQ

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) seeks a seasoned SBIR Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) to join the Dirigo Labs’ team. The EiR will play a critical role in supporting DL’s programming, including assisting startups and businesses navigate the complexities of Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) applications and associated commercialization strategies.

Prospective Businesses & Applicants

For an overview of Central Maine Growth Council and Dirigo Labs’ SBIR/STTR Resource Center, please contact Assistant Director of Innovation Programming and Partnerships Emalee Hall at emalee@centralmaine.org.

SBIR/STTR Grant Resources

SBA FAST Program Resources

SBIR/STTR Information

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs represent the nation’s largest source of early-stage funding for research and development in high-risk, innovative technologies. Each year, 11 federal agencies allocate a combined $4 billion through these awards to drive advancements in cutting-edge sectors. SBIR/STTR awards are instrumental in:

– Supporting the development of proof-of-concept models and functional prototypes
– Facilitating the hiring of specialized technical personnel and subject-matter experts
– Enabling the acquisition of critical materials, equipment, and tools
– Providing a pathway to validate technologies for federal procurement and government contracting – Financing collaborative research initiatives with academic institutions

Unlike equity-based financing models, SBIR/STTR funds are non-dilutive, meaning awardees retain full ownership of their companies and all associated intellectual property rights.

You must meet all of the criteria to be eligible for the SBIR/STTR programs:

– Does your business employ 500 or fewer employees, including affiliates?
– Is your business at least 51% owned and operated by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
– Is your business a for-profit entity or will you form a for-profit entity?
– Is your business located in the United States?
– Is your Principal Investigator (main researcher) devoting at least 51% time to the business? (This is required for SBIR but not for STTR)

For entrepreneurs:

– Enables early transfer of technology and establishment of start-up companies
– Use funds to prove feasibility
– Retain Intellectual property
– Don’t have to pay back
– Won’t dilute ownership

For Maine:
– Additional jobs
– Increased Innovation
– Increased economic development
– Increased tax base

Emalee Hall
Assistant Director of Innovation Programming and Partnerships
Mufaddal Ali
Project Management Specialist
Susan Ruhlin
Managing Director
Garvan Donegan
Director of Planning, Innovation, & Economic Development
Sabrina Jandreau
Development Coordinator
Gabe Gauvin
Assistant Director of Economic Development & Strategic Projects
Nicole Timmins
Grants & Finance Manager

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