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- Illinois FAST Center
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Set! NIH SBIR/STTR Training Series – Session 1
📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 12:00–1:30 PM CT | Virtual (Zoom)
Take the next step toward your NIH SBIR/STTR proposal.
The Illinois FAST Center is launching the Set! NIH SBIR/STTR Training Series. A hands-on, expert-led workshop series designed to help small businesses develop the critical elements of a competitive NIH Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal.
Through four bi-weekly sessions (each approximately 1.5 hours), you'll work alongside experienced SBIR consultants and receive personalized feedback on your proposal development. By the end of the series, you'll have a solid draft ready to refine in the final phase of our training series: Go!
Two Ways to Participate
Full Program (limited spots) Receive individualized feedback from professional SBIR consultants on your proposal documents throughout the series. Participants commit to completing and submitting development tasks between sessions (approximately 12-20 hours total). Timely submissions are required to benefit from 1:1 support.
Audit Program Access all live sessions, recorded archives, and course materials at no cost. Audit participants do not submit development tasks or receive individual feedback, but may have the opportunity to request a one-on-one session with an Illinois FAST Center consultant at the conclusion of the series.
Participation Costs
Illinois-Based Teams Non-IL Teams
Audit Program FREE FREE
Full Program FREE (by invitation) $1,000 cost-share (by invitation)
**All teams must apply and be invited to participate. Non-IL teams applying for the Full Program will be placed on a waitlist pending space availability.**
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Applications Are Now Open
To apply, email your application materials to il-fast-training@lists.illinois.edu using the subject line:
[Set! Application] COMPANY NAME / Full Program or Audit Program
Required for all applicants: A 1-3 page executive summary/concept paper covering:
- Agency and program fit
- Development stage
- Preliminary data
- Specific aims
- Team qualifications
Optional supporting materials are welcome.
****Outlines for proposal summary and Readiness exercises templates can be found HERE.*****
⭐ Bonus: Completing the optional readiness exercises from the June 2 Ready! webinar will count as extra credit in the selection process and will directly strengthen your SBIR/STTR proposal!
All applicants will receive feedback. Selected teams will receive individualized guidance throughout the workshop. Those not selected will receive recommendations on how to strengthen future applications.
**Once your application is reviewed, you will receive an invitation to register for either the Full Program or Audit Program.**
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Important Dates
Milestone Date
Applications Open June 3, 2026
Application Deadline June 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT
Acceptance Notifications No later than June 23, 2026
Confirmation of Participation Due June 26, 2026
Set! Session 1 July 1, 2026, 12:00–1:30 PM CT
Additional Resources
Our past webinar recordings including the first event in the FAST Center's Ready! Set! Go! SBIR/STTR Proposal Workshop Series, serving as the recommended precursor to the Set! NIH SBIR/STTR Workshop can be found HERE.
Questions? Reach out to us at il-fast-training@lists.illinois.edu
For more information and additional resources, visit the FAST Center at Illinois website.