Empowering Alabama’s Innovators

Our SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab equips Alabama’s small businesses with the resources, guidance, and expertise to secure vital federal funding and drive technological innovation. Join us as we foster growth, diversity, and success in underrepresented communities across the state.

Who We Are

The Catalyst Center provides essential support for Alabama’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Our mission is to drive small business success through:

Best-in-Class Coaching: Tailored guidance at every stage of business
In-Demand Services: Practical resources to meet business needs
Relevant Programs: Initiatives like the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab to foster growth

our partners

Together, we help small businesses navigate the SBIR and STTR submission processes with a focus on diversity.

Our Commitment to Diversity

The Catalyst Team actively recruits a diverse cohort, including:

Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB)
Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB)
Rural Companies Across Alabama

This initiative is partially funded through the FAST Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration and supported by Innovate Alabama, with a focus on innovation and economic growth in underrepresented communities.

What is FAST?

America’s Seed Fund:

The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program empowers small businesses to transform innovative ideas into commercial success through providing:

Resources: Access to expertise to improve proposal development and team creation
Support: Guidance on developing competitive project proposals and ideation from concept to commercialization.
Non-Dilutive Funding: Known as the SBIR and STTR programs, providing crucial capital without equity loss

Funding Resources to the SBIR/STTR Program

Learn More About the Program

The ALA FAST – SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

visit the website

What is a SBIR & STTR?

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides federal research funds to foster:

Scientific Excellence: Supporting innovative research and development
Technology Commercialization: Helping small businesses transition ideas to market
Economic Growth: Meeting federal R&D needs while building a strong national economy

Eligibility:

US based, for-profit, small businesses
Fewer than 500 employees

The SBIR program funds diverse projects across all domains of science, technology, and development.

Understanding SBIR & STTR Programs

SBIR

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funds scientific excellence and technological innovation, supporting U.S.-based, for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees. This program transforms early-stage technologies into market-ready solutions, addressing federal research and development needs.

STTR

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program promotes partnerships between small businesses and research institutions, such as nonprofit colleges, domestic research organizations, or federally funded R&D centers. The goal is to foster scientific advancements by moving ideas from our Nation’s research institutions to the marketplace, benefiting both private-sector and military customers.

Apply to SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab

Program Goals

The SBIR/STTR Program is designed to:

Stimulate technological innovation
Enable small businesses to meet federal R&D needs
Foster participation from socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, including those owned and controlled by women
Increase private-sector commercialization of federally funded innovations, thereby enhancing competition, productivity, and economic growth.

Funding Phases

The SBIR/STTR Program awards funding through three distinct phases. Progression to each subsequent phase is competitive and dependent on the results of the prior phase. Funding amounts and timelines vary by agency.

Phase I – Proof of Concept: Focused on establishing technical merit (6-12 months)
Phase II – Technology Development: Supports ongoing R&D efforts (up to 24 months)
Phase III – Commercialization: Aims to transition innovations to the commercial market, building on successes from the previous phases

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About the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab

The SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab offers resources and expert guidance to help businesses prepare competitive proposals. Access training materials and webinars before joining our two-stage cohort program:

STAGE ONE:

Open to a broader set of 40 participants, this segment focuses on foundational skills in business planning, commercialization, and proposal writing. It includes 8 live workshops and hands-on learning opportunities. Participants will engage in pitch development, receive advice on business models, and gain access to dedicated SharePoint portals for collaborative work. Learn what is needed for a successful application from seed concept ideation and qualify participants ready to continue to Stage II to enhance their business models for more successful Pitch and proposal. Cost $250.

STAGE TWO:

Following a competitive selection process, approximately 20 participants will advance to this phase. Those selected will have approved pitches and refined business models. This phase will provide focused workshops and Team reviews designed to enhance proposal quality and submission readiness. This co-hort will work together and support each other through collaboration to stay on pace with proposal completion for timely submission. Cost $500

Join the Cohort: Apply Today

Applications are open from November through January. Space is limited, and preference is given to Alabama companies. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience that positions your small business for SBIR success.

apply here

Meet Our Team

TEAM CATALYST includes experts from The Alabama Collective and GovCon Incubator. We’re here to help guide you through the process every step of the way.

Jennifer Anderson-The Alabama Collective, Sandy Edwards -The Catalyst, Charisse Stokes-The Alabama Collective, Olessia Smotrova- GovCon Incubator, Lisa Mays- The Catalyst