Navigating DoD Funding: Strategies for SBIR/STTR Success and Innovation in Arkansas

Event description

Join us for a dynamic online event that will demystify the Department of Defense funding process and position your company for success. Led by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), this webinar will provide Arkansas innovators with practical strategies to successfully navigate and secure Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funding through DoD.

Learn how to identify the right opportunities, craft competitive proposals, and connect with key agency stakeholders, all while advancing innovation that supports national defense. Whether you're new to DoD funding or looking to sharpen your approach, this is your gateway to unlocking high-impact resources and partnerships.

The virtual program is broken into three one-hour sessions:

• SBIR/STTR 101, 11 a.m.-noon
  New to SBIR or STTR? This beginner-friendly session breaks down the basics of these powerful funding programs. You’ll learn what they are, how they work, who can apply, and what to expect at each phase. Get the confidence and clarity to take your first steps toward DoD funding.
  
   
• SBIR/STTR Success Panel, noon-1 p.m.
  Grab your lunch and enjoy a lively and informative panel featuring successful SBIR/STTR awardees, moderated by experts from OUSD. Hear firsthand how these innovators cracked the code to DoD funding—what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons they learned along the way. From overcoming application hurdles to making the most of available resources, this session is packed with practical tips and insider knowledge you won’t want to miss.
  
   
• Spotlight on Arkansas Innovators: DoD Solutions from the Natural State, 1-2 p.m.
  Get inspired by the cutting-edge work happening right here in Arkansas! This interactive session showcases emerging startups and established innovation-driven companies from across the state as they pitch their technologies and share their visions for DoD funding and collaboration.

From cybersecurity and AI to advanced manufacturing, these Arkansas entrepreneurs are developing game-changing solutions with national security impact. Each company will present its mission, technology focus, and current needs for DoD engagement, while receiving real-time insights from defense experts and potential partners. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see how Arkansas innovators are making their mark on the defense landscape—and learn how your business could be next.

  Presented in cooperation with Arkansas APEX Accelerator and Forge Institute