On July 9, the Alaska SBDC’s TREND program started accepting applications for its Phase 0 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) competition!
Every year, the TREND Phase 0 competition allows participants to submit a preliminary SBIR Phase I proposal and a request for assistance outlining how they could utilize up to $5,000 in prize money to enhance the proposal’s development.
The applications are thoroughly reviewed to meet all the requirements and standards. Once approved, they are submitted to a confidential TREND Committee comprised of industry experts. This simulation mirrors the actual Phase I experience, providing valuable insight and preparation for applicants. By participating in this local exercise, applicants gain a realistic understanding of what to expect when competing at the federal level, instilling confidence and readiness for the next steps in the process.
Up to 5 applicants will be awarded up to $5,000 each in direct financial assistance to develop a Phase I application to further and grow their SBIR knowledge. These funds can be used for personalized advanced SBIR-related training, writing services to assist with Phase I efforts, further development of Phase I research, and more. Applicants should review the full rules closely to determine how funds may or may not be spent and adhere to competition guidelines.
Check out the complete 2024 Phase 0 Competition guidelines here.
Looking for inspiration? Check out some of last year’s winners: 2023 TREND Phase 0 Winners Announced
2024 Phase 0 Grant Timeline
- July 9, 2024: The Phase 0 grant application period opens
- August 15, 2024: Early application deadline to receive an initial review for application completeness and compliance
- August 29, 2024: Phase 0 grant application period closes
- September 2 – October 16, 2024: The TREND Phase 0 Committee will evaluate the application packets, and the winning applicants will be announced during the week of October 21, 2024
- November 2024: Phase 0 grant funds awarded and disbursed
Wondering Where to Start?
- View SBIR-related training by navigating our Workshops Page and selecting SBIR under the topics dropdown menu.
- Review UAF’s Center ICE Alaska FAST Program videos introducing SBIR and how it works.
- View the official SBIR How it Works “RoadMap”
- Access over 55 tutorials on the SBIR website.
- Review the standard SBIR eligibility FAQs and launch page for SBIR entrepreneurs.