A Business Focus Workshop (BFW) helps researchers explore the commercial potential of products and services that could result from their MDA-funded research.
In a one-day intensive meeting, each company representative is teamed with a workshop facilitator and a business consultant. This team works independently for four hours, covering a detailed topic list of business development issues such as market applications, sales projections, marketplace benefits, competition, intellectual property, and finance strategy. During the session, a four-chart presentation is prepared that concisely summarizes the company's specific business case. The day concludes with each company presenting to the larger group of business experts and technologists, who provide objective and targeted feedback.
Each year's new Phase I SBIR awardees are invited to attend a BFW session. However, any early-stage technology developer with MDA funding is eligible.