SSTI's 2024 Annual Conference

This discussion session will focus on states that have robust strategies for encouraging SBIR proposals and providing additional funding to SBIR companies. Our goal will be to help regions consider how the right partner or service design could facilitate better outcomes from SBIR awards. FAST and Growth Accelerator Fund Competition awards play into these considerations, as well as state matching and Phase 0 programs.

The last several years have seen the private venture capital markets swing from all time highs to mediocre activity, and this evolution occurred just as many states were launching capital programs, including rolling out their approaches to the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Join this session to hear how states and others have been adapting to the changes, and what this volatility suggests for designing future capital access initiatives.