Small Businesses Are Leveraging Non-Dilutive Funding to Launch New Products and Grow Their Business!
2023 was an exciting year for OK Catalyst as we saw a number of new and innovative companies across a wide range of industries including, aerospace and autonomous systems, biotech, cybersecurity, AI/ML, greentech, energy, and more take steps toward commercialization through the SBIR/STTR process.
To find out if your business qualifies for SBIR/STTR funding, schedule a consultation with us anytime!
The Funding Labs are a suite of programs designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to successfully navigate the SBIR/STTR funding process. The virtual 4-8 week cohorts are structured around the submission deadline of each agency's solicitation schedule.
*All Funding Lab dates are subject to change.
Upcoming Labs
Applications open March 1
Find more info about DOT SBIR/STTR here
Applications open April 1
Find more info about NSF SBIR/STTR here
Applications open April 1
Find more info about DoD SBIR/STTR here
*You can find links to all Funding Lab applications on our homepage
Farewell, Obum, and Thank You for Everything!
OK Catalyst is saying goodbye, and thank you, to Associate Director Obum Ukabam this month as he moves on to serve the Tulsa community with a position at the Tulsa Public School District, as well as several non-profit organizations. Obum served as a valued member of our team providing outreach to the Tulsa entrepreneurial community and beyond, and he will be missed. Best of luck, Obum, we're excited to watch your next adventures!
If you'd like to stay connected to Obum you can find him on LinkedIn
Women Catalyst Advantage Network (Women-CAN) Accepting Applications!
BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting is excited to offer transformational training opportunities to women entrepreneurs through its Women Catalyst Advantage Network (Women-CAN). The SBA-funded training opportunities include SBIR training, one-on-one consulting, and leadership training.
To qualify to participate in the program, a company must be >51% women-owned (the company can self-certify – ie: SBA “WOSB” certification is NOT required) and must intend to submit an SBIR/STTR application or already have an SBIR/STTR award. If you are in the process of forming a company, you still may be eligible for Women-CAN. Preference will be given to companies already formed. Applications are currently open for the following cohorts:
Cohort #3 - Application deadline Feb 28
Cohort #4 - Application deadline Mar 20
Did You Know, You Can Use SBIR Funding as a Match for OARS Funding?
Oklahoma SBIR-awarded companies have an outstanding opportunity to receive additional funding through OCAST Applied Research Support (OARS) funding. The OARS program awards non-dilutive funding of up to $500,000 to companies leading innovation projects that have the potential to create economic impact in Oklahoma. Projects must have an end user application in industries including biotechnology, aerospace, autonomous systems, defense, and energy diversification.
To be eligible for OARS funding, recipients must be based in Oklahoma and commit a $1-for-$1 match, and the great news for SBIR-awarded companies is that they can use their SBIR funding to fulfill the matching funding obligation. While a minimum of 51% of the project work funded by OCAST must be completed within the State of Oklahoma and show an economic benefit within the state, the funding can be used to hire scientific and technical expertise, create partnerships, secure necessary supplies and equipment, or validate technologies heading toward market launch, moving your company closer to commercialization.
You're Invited!
Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma is hosting a Healthcare & Biotech Industry Night on Tuesday, March 5, at 6:00 p.m. This free event is a fantastic opportunity for innovators in the healthcare and biotech industries to meet and connect with top undergraduate and graduate business majors in addition to networking with other industry members.
Event: Healthcare & Biotech Industry Night
Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Employer Check-In: 5:30pm
Event Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Price College of Business 307 W. Brooks St. Norman, OK 73019
Since 2018, OK Catalyst has supported more than 250 researchers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses throughout the Heartland, resulting in nearly 150 SBIR/STTR proposal submissions. To date, OK Catalyst program participants have secured 101 awards and follow-on investments totaling more than $55 million.
Tom Love Innovation Hub | The University of Oklahoma