SBDC + ExCITE Programs

UC Riverside’s EPIC SBDC provides individualized support to early stage tech entrepreneurs and companies in the Inland Empire to grow their businesses at no cost. Services include specialized consulting, training programs and workshops, access to capital and SBIR/STTR assistance. EPIC SBDC has a pool of seasoned professionals who serve as Entrepreneurs in Residence to provide business consulting to help you launch or grow you company.

Apply here to become an EPIC SBDC Client!

ExCITE is Riverside’s startup incubator for high tech, high growth science and technology startups by providing co-working space, networking, workshops, and access to mentors. Located in Downtown Riverside, ExCITE is a partnership between the City, the County, and UCR. This unique partnership brings together campus and community resources to position entrepreneurs for success.

Apply here to join the ExCITE Community!

Contact

Martin Kleckner
Director, EPIC SBDC
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
619-892-2562
martin.kleckner @ucr.edu

Aileen Luib
Assistant Director, Special Programs & Outreach
Office of Technology Partnerships
(951) 827-8516
aileen.luib@ucr.edu

Your SBDC & ExCITE Liaisons

Martin Kleckner

Director, EPIC SBDC
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

619-892-2565
martin.kleckner @ucr.edu

Martin Kleckner brings 28 years of experience in operations and business development across life sciences, healthcare, oil & gas, and cable TV. He has advised 115+ companies on strategy, commercialization, and public policy worldwide. As a founder or early-stage employee in five startups, he achieved two successful exits. Through the EPIC SBDC SBIR/STTR Resource Center, he has helped faculty and small businesses secure funding with winning SBIR/STTR proposals.

View Full Bio

Success Story

EPIC SBDC helps Globe Biomedical win SBIR Phase I Grant

With invaluable help from EPIC SBDC mentor, Martin Kleckner, Globe Biomedical has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for approximately $225,000, to conduct research and development (R&D) work on a Wearable Blindness Prevention System. Globe Biomedical is currently an incubated company at ExCITE Riverside where they will be working towards building their company and submitting a Phase II grant.

Upcoming Workshops and Classes

EPIC SBDC holds monthly events at ExCITE that are open to the UCR and Inland Empire community. Most workshops are available to attend online so that entrepreneurs can attend remotely!

View All Upcoming OTP Events

Past Workshops

SBIR/STTR Resource Center: Looking for Capital in Critical Times - Part 1

The federal SBIR/STTR program is viewed as the leading resource for many small businesses looking for seed capital and commercialization support. What challenges and opportunities are being offered by federal agencies during this COVID-19 emergency? What lessons can we learn about what it takes to win these vital grants? How should we respond to agency requests for SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposals Addressing COVID-19? How can we facilitate an expedited submission and review of our proposals? What are the decision criteria for this special funding?

Introduction to the SBIR/STTR Program; Federal Mission & Goals
- SBIR/STTR as your venture Seed Capital; Its importance to investors
- Participating Agencies
- The Three-Phase Process: Dollar Amounts Available
- Applicant Eligibility Requirements; Size Rule; Applicant Criteria
- How to Start – Specifics of The Sequential Multi-Registration Process: Rules of the Road
SBIRs Response to COVID-19
- The areas of research being funded to respond to the COVID-19 crisis
- Specific Agency Interests
- NIH-Accelerated Funding Opportunities
- NSF-Focused Proposal Requests
  - How the Expedited Submission Process works
  - Key guidelines and procedures for NSF proposals
  - How to Apply; Your Expected Timeline
The Role of EPIC SBDC – What we do; How we will help facilitate your funding chances

The SBIR/STTR Resource Center, in partnership with EPIC SBDC and The Office of Technology Partnerships, offers small businesses comprehensive SBIR/STTR proposal support. We assist with the SBIR/STTR proposal submission process, development of a winning proposal, and connecting companies with UCR. More information: Contact the SBIR/STTR Resource Center Manager, Misty Madero at misty.madero@ucr.edu.

SBIR/STTR Resource Center: Looking for Capital in Critical Times - Part 2

Part 2:

 Proven Best Practices/Lessons Learned from Successful Awardees
 How Industry, University, & Federal Partnerships Can Help You Succeed: (the National Science Foundation’s “Partnerships for Innovation” Fund
 Crucial, Overlooked Elements of the Proposal: Ignore at Your Peril
 Key Reviewer Criteria Always Considered when evaluating your proposal
 The Essentials of a Well-Prepared Project Description: Designing an Effective Study Approach
 Your Commercialization Plan: Why It is Vital

The SBIR/STTR Resource Center, in partnership with EPIC SBDC and The Office of Technology Partnerships, offers small businesses comprehensive SBIR/STTR proposal support. We assist with the SBIR/STTR proposal submission process, development of a winning proposal, and connecting companies with UCR.

More information: Contact the SBIR/STTR Resource Center Manager, Misty Madero at misty.madero@ucr.edu.

Office of Technology Partnerships