The Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers are offering a variety of classes and workshops targeted to help science and engineering oriented companies. The MO SBTDC technology specialists can help you take your intellectual property from the idea stage to commercialization. Some of the offerings to help those who are tech-savvy but need help with the business side of things are listed below:

• July 23 – FastTrac® TechVenture™
  4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: online course; 7 session series
  This online course is part of the Kauffman Foundation’s acclaimed FastTrac® TechVenture™ series designed specifically by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. This intensive seven-session course provides a proven framework and network of connections to help grow a great idea into the next viable innovation. Experienced business coaches and successful entrepreneurs work together to facilitate critical teachings, guide lively small group sessions and share practical experiences to enhance your business. Participants learn with and from peers, creating a powerful network that continues well after the program is complete.

• August 3 – Intellectual Property Workshop
  11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in St. Joseph
  Led by Mr. Keith Strassner, Director of Technology & Economic Development at MU’s University of Science & Technology in Rolla, the following topics will be explored:
  
  • What patents do need for your business and best practices for filing a patent, plus patent process and costs
  • The newest regulations surrounding patents
  • Copyrights/copyright infringement (what is and what is not protected)
  • Trademarks – costs to file and what is covered
  • Trade secrets – what is included and what legal protection exists

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• August 8 or September 12 – Funding Technology Through SBIR/STTR
  2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Fort Leonard Wood
  This class covers the basics for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that provide government money to small businesses willing and able to perform R&D for the participating government agencies.
  

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• August 24 – Technology Development & Commercialization
  9:00 a.m. – noon in Portageville
  Learn about Federal opportunities to fund new products and the process to get started. Learn about the support network offered by MO SBTDC technology specialists.
  

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• September 6 & 7 – Funding Technology Through SBIR/STTR Boot Camp
  8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m in Columbia
  
  Missouri’s SBIR Boot Camp pairs PIs with professional technical writers and editors in six formal “real time” writing sessions. Past boot camp participants were able to write more than 80 percent of Phase I proposals in just two days, instead of the three to four weeks typically invested in this effort. Registration deadline is Sept. 3, and classes are limited to 30 individuals.