Twenty Dot Three | The SBIR Roadmap
In this episode of innovator >< operator, host Julie Willis welcomes Ms. Pat Dillon; the Director of the Minnesota SBIR/STTR Assistance Office. Pat has assisted more than 500 firms seeking federal funding for their technological innovations with commercial potential.
Pat is a 1999 recipient of the prestigious Small Business Administration Tibbetts Award and a 2001 recipient of the City Business’ 25 Most Innovative Woman Award (now the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal). Dillon is a retired United States Navy Commander with 40 years of service (active and reserve), aviation, and intelligence communities. Pat is a combat veteran having served 10 months in Kabul, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Pat earned an MBA and BS in Business Administration from Winona State University, Winona, MN
SHOW NOTES
In this fascinating Podcast episode with Pat, we dive into the SBA Fast Program and learn Pat’s best practices for applying for SBIR, STTR, and the DOD as a potential funding source. Her years of experience and success shed light on the future of funding proposals, especially as they pertain to women in the military and the Air Force’s Open Topic for innovation.
If the following topics grab your attention, tune in ASAP to hear all of Pat Dillon’s wisdom and insights!
TOPICS COVERED
Hear the SBA Fast Program overview and how it supports innovators and entrepreneurs that have a high-quality idea/concept/project with scientific and technical merit.
What are Pat’s best practices with these highly competitive SBIR/STTR programs?
Have a clear understanding of what your company wants to accomplish and how you will use SBIR/STTR to support their vision.
Design a technology roadmap & timeline which will be beneficial for each phase of the SBIR/STTR process.
It’s never too soon to start thinking about commercialization!
When it comes to the DOD as a potential funding source, it’s important to understand the problem they are trying to solve and how your company can respond to their needs.
Know the global/societal impact of your technology or idea. Will it serve more than one purpose?
Focus on customer discovery helps to understand the government market.
We then shift focus to women in the military. What is “The Art of Possible” and what does it really mean? Thinking ahead to the future of women in the armed forces and female warfighters – specifically the evolution of body armor. How can the SBIR/STTR process be extremely difficult but also extremely rewarding given what it can do for the future of women in the armed forces?
Pat leaves us with some final sage advice - Be Clear, Concise, Succinct, and Focused. Always keep in mind how much time and money you have and home in on the critical components of the overall project.
CONNECT
Pat Dillon
Pat Dillon is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of MNSBIR and its services to startups and small businesses in Minnesota.
https://mntech.org/mnsbir/leadership/
Katheryn Basso
If you want to learn more about KADRI Clothing, Katheryn’s designs, and her company, head over to their website at https://www.kadriclothing.com.
