Description
For innovative small businesses, a well-developed commercialization strategy can mean the difference between a breakthrough idea and a missed opportunity. In competitive R&D funding programs—such as SBIR and STTR—strong commercialization and transition plans are often the deciding factors for securing Phase I and Phase II awards. Understanding agency expectations and building a compelling plan is critical for success.
This course is designed to equip early-stage technology companies with the tools and strategies needed to transform cutting-edge ideas into market-ready products and services. Course participants will learn how to:
- Validate Customers – Identify who will buy your product, confirm their needs, and refine your value proposition.
- Conduct Market Research & Define Target Markets – Find cost-effective sources of market data and narrow your focus to the most promising opportunities.
- Analyze the Competition – Understand the competitive landscape, assess market gaps, and position your solution for differentiation.
- Develop Intellectual Property Strategies – Create a plan to protect your innovations and strengthen your competitive edge.
- Build a Well-Rounded Team – Assemble the right mix of technical, business, and operational expertise to execute your vision.
- Create a Realistic Financial Plan – Forecast costs and revenues to present funders with a credible commercialization path.
The session also addresses how to craft high-quality “support & commitment” letters and other critical elements agencies look for in commercialization plans.
Who Should Attend
- Innovative, early-stage technology development companies
- Contract support organizations
- Economic development organizations
Meet Your Instructor:
JERRY HOLLISTER, BBC Entrepreneurial Training and Consulting
Jerry Hollister is a seasoned professional and a Senior Principal Consultant at BBCetc. With over 35 years of leadership experience across various sectors including government, higher education, non-profit, and for-profit enterprises, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.
After earning his engineering degree from the University of Michigan, Jerry served as a commissioned officer in the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps. During his service, he also held the position of a warranted Contracting Officer for the Department of Defense.
In 2017, Jerry joined BBCetc after an impressive tenure as the Chief Operating Officer of Niowave, a Michigan-based company specializing in superconducting accelerators. From 2008 to 2017, he played a pivotal role in the successful growth of the startup. Jerry led the Niowave SBIR team, securing more than 45 Phase I and Phase II SBIR awards totaling over $20 million. Under his leadership, Niowave received several prestigious accolades, including being named the 2010 SBIR/STTR Small Business of the Year by the Department of Energy. In 2016, they were also honored with the SBA Tibbetts Award, recognizing their outstanding achievements in the SBIR program.
Jerry’s contributions to Niowave extend beyond his tenure as he remains an active member of the Board of Directors. He was instrumental in securing two Phase III Cooperative Agreements with the National Nuclear Security Administration, amounting to a remarkable $28 million. Furthermore, Niowave has recently inked multiple long-term radioisotope supply agreements, with the potential to exceed a cumulative value of $500 million over the next decade.
BBCetc has been a longstanding partner of APEX Accelerators/PTACs, showcasing their commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing. As a testament to their excellence, BBCetc was honored to be named a Tibbetts Award winner in 2020, further solidifying their reputation as a leading organization in the field.
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