Join our team of SBIR experts and the FAST (Federal and State Technology) Center of Illinois for an SBIR/STTR webinar event from 2:00-3:00pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
This webinar will focus on how SBIR/STTR funding can be leveraged to prepare early-stage companies for future investment, aligning your govenment-funded research with the expectations of venture capitalists. We'll break down key elements of the SBIR/STTR process and explore how these can be used to position your company for growth and investor readiness. Topics include:
- Building a business model that attracts venture capital
- How to use SBIR/STTR grants as a foundation for future fundraising
- Creating compelling narrative that resonates with investors
- Demonstrating market validation, scalability, and long-term growth potential
Whether you're preparing your first SBIR/STTR application or looking to scale your business, this webinar will help you connect the dots between non-dilutive funding and VC investment to drive long-term success.
Anna Lisa Somera, Founder of Rhaeos, Inc.
Anna Lisa is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategist with deep expertise in helping startups leveraging SBIR/STTR funding to position themselves for venture capital investment. As the founder of Rhaeos, Inc., she has worked with numerous early=stage companies to develop investor-ready business models and successfully navigate the complexities of non-dilutive funding. With a proven track record in both SBIR proposal development and venture capital readiness, Anna Lisa offers invaluable insights into aligning government funding efforts with the investor mindset.
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.
