Urbana Campus Research Calendar (OVCRI)

SBIR/STTR Webinar | Mastering the Illinois SBIR/STTR Matching Grant: Insights from the State and the Startup Leader

Event Type
Webinar
Sponsor
Illinois FAST Center
Virtual
Join online
Date
Jan 13, 2026   2:00 - 3:00 pm   Central Time
Registration
Registration Required
Contact
Illinois FAST Center
E-Mail
il-fast-training@lists.illinois.edu
Originating Calendar
FAST Center of Illinois Calendar

Join our team of SBIR experts and the FAST (Federal and State Technology) Center of Illinois for an SBIR/STTR webinar event on January 13, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 PM CT 

This webinar will be co-led by Aaron DeWeese, Grant Manager at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Anna Lisa Somera, CEO of Rhaeos, Inc. This webinar offers a rare, dual-perspective look at the Illinois SBIR State Matching Grant, from how applications are evaluated to how companies successfully leverage funding for growth. Topics include: 

  • A real walk-through example of how the Illinois SBIR/STTR State Matching Grant works, how to apply, and what reviewers are looking for

  • Common application mistakes and how to avoid them

  • A CEO’s firsthand experience navigating the program

  • Practical tips for aligning your SBIR project and company roadmap with match fund requirements

Whether you’re preparing to apply, planning to reapply, or simply exploring state-level support for SBIR awardees, this session will help you avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your application strategy.

This is a free, virtual event, but registration is required. The link to the webinar will be emailed to you upon completion of your registration. Recording Notice: By registering for this webinar, you acknowledge and agree that it will be recorded and shared online for public viewing.

For more information and how to access more resources, visit the FAST Center at Illinois website. 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

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