The federally funded Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) awards over $4B annually to small businesses to develop new innovative technology that meets the mission of the funding agency. Eleven federal agencies participate, including Dept. of Defense, NIH, Dept. of Energy, NASA, National Science Foundation, USDA, and others.
This Lunch and Learn will provide an overview of the program and provide attendees a chance to ask questions and understand how to look further into the largest source of tech based seed capital in the US. Attendees will also learn how VIPC supports SBIR applicants, as well as other funding programs administered by VIPC.
Join us to hear more from Robert Brooke, Director, SBIR/STTR Support Program, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC).
Meet Your Presenter:
Robert Brooke is responsible for the development and statewide outreach coordination of VIPC’s SBIR/STTR Support Program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With VIPC since 2002, Mr. Brooke has worked closely with small technology firms for more than 30 years. Through his efforts at VIPC, Virginia continues to be consistently ranked in the top 3 states in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award dollars and total awards.
Mr. Brooke has developed a comprehensive suite of training and mentoring programs designed to assist Virginia’s small technology firms at each stage of the SBIR process. He counsels companies who are new to the SBIR/STTR program to help guide them through the process, develop a plan of approach, and provide introductions to other expert third party resources if necessary.
In 2016, Mr. Brooke was recognized by the U.S Small Business Administration for his contributions to the SBIR programs, receiving a Tibbetts Award for excellence in the SBIR program.
Are you a small, women-owned, or minority-owned business who wants to do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia? Small business owners who are looking to participate in Virginia’s specialized procurement and contracting opportunities are encouraged to become SWaM certified. The SWaM certification is a vehicle to promote economic growth of Virginia’s businesses.
Becoming SWaM certified is just the first step in doing business with the Commonwealth. Each year the state buys goods and services totaling more than $8 billion. The Commonwealth of Virginia wants to do business with you and increase participation of small, women owned, and minority-owned businesses.
This workshop will cover the SWaM Program and certification/designation types, on-line application process, required documents needed to apply, and how to use the certification to do business with the Commonwealth.
Bring your laptop or tablet to participate in this learning lab.
Do you need personalized, one-on-one assistance for your small business?
Office hours provide small business owners time to sit down with our team to receive personalized advice on operations, finance, and marketing and sales.
Browse the available dates below to register for an upcoming office hour. Times are available on Wednesdays, in 45-minute slots. If you don't see a time or location that fits your schedule, please contact Alberto Fernandez or Jenn Goldman.
September 3: Dulles South Community Center
September 9: Weird Brothers - Village at Leesburg
September 10: Brickyard
September 16: Middleburg Town Hall
September 17: Ashburn Recreation and Community Center
Join One Million Cups for two engaging events this month.
1 Million Cups (1MC) is a national, licensed entrepreneur support program that provides community connections and a peer-to-peer forum in which people can help get their business problems solved. Twice a month on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to present their business concept, startup or re-invented company to a diverse audience of advisors, business people, entrepreneurs and service providers. Presenters have 8 to 10 minutes to share their business and problem(s) they are having. Participants provide supportive feedback and help you solve your challenges.
As a small business owner, understanding how money comes into and out of your business is crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of your business. Throughout 2026, Loudoun Economic Development is offering a variety of classes in their Ashburn office, hosted by Cheryl Wiehn, that will walk you through the essential financial concepts every entrepreneur should know, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, e-commerce, financial reports and budgeting. You’ll learn how to interpret and leverage these tools to make informed decisions, avoid common financial pitfalls, and ensure the financial health of your business.
Reconciliations and Running Financial Reports
Bring your books full circle and turn numbers into insight. This class covers how to reconcile your accounts and run key financial reports so you can make smart, confident decisions. We’ll help you spot errors, understand your data, and finally understand what your numbers are “telling” you.
We recommend you bring a laptop or tablet, but it is not required.
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