Strategic Initiatives
Keep up to date on upcoming opportunities for Business & Industry collaboration and training by signing up for the Strategic Initiatives newsletter:
Strategic Initiatives Newsletter
See our list of current event and training opportunities below:
DOD SBIR/STTR Proposal Preparation Webinar
August 21st, 2025 | 8:30am - 12:30pm
Are you wanting to submit a SBIR/STTR proposal to the Department of Defense (DOD), but don't know where to start? This webinar is for you!
The DOD SBIR and STTR programs offer a wide range of opportunities for small firms to address military needs in just about every technology area from software to training systems, from medical products to air, land and sea platforms.
In this webinar, you will receive a brief overview of DOD SBIR/STTR programs and learn about the recommended process for developing a Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal to the DOD, with attention paid to the differences among the various components and services.
This event is presented by Jim Greenwood
Innovate & Elevate: 3-Part Series Over IP Strategy for the Mission (Part I)
August 27th, 2025 | 10:30 A.M. - Noon
IP Strategy for the Mission - Part I: Foundations First with Rob Gerlach
In any innovation driven organization, especially those working with national security or dual-use technologies, understanding the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP) is mission critical.
Join us for Part I: Foundations First, the kickoff session in our multi-part series on strategic IP for mission-oriented ventures. This foundational session will introduce the full spectrum of intellectual property, including:
- Patents – Protecting inventions and technical innovations.
- Trademarks – Safeguarding brand identity and reputation.
- Copyrights – Securing original works of authorship.
- Proprietary Information & Trade Secrets – Defending competitive advantages without disclosure.
Designed for startups, small businesses, researchers, and technologists operating
in national security, defense innovation, or advanced manufacturing, this session
sets the stage for deeper strategy discussions in future workshops. Whether you're
preparing for federal funding, commercial partnerships, or technology transfer, a
clear grasp of IP types and their strategic uses is essential.
Location: Groover Labs, 334 St Francis, Wichita, KS 67202
DFARS Essentials Webinar Presented by AMZ Solutions
September 9th, 2025 | 1:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Are you a small business wanting to compete for and win contracts with the Department of Defense? DFARS compliance is often a prerequisite for bidding on DoD contracts, and non-compliance can lead to penalties, including contract termination, fines, and even being barred from future contracts. Don’t’ miss this webinar, which will cover all the key DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) clauses your small business needs to understand.
- Key DFARS clauses every contractor must know
- Practical insights to avoid compliance pitfall
- Live Q&A (30 minutes) with experts to address your specific questions
- Short break to keep the session engaging and focused
Innovate & Elevate: 3-Part Series Over IP Strategy for the Mission (Part II)
September 24th, 2025 | 10:30 A.M. - Noon
Part II: IP Strategy for a Small & Dual-Use Business
Intellectual property (IP) can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. For small and dual-use businesses, knowing how to protect your ideas and innovations is one of the most powerful steps you can take to stay competitive and grow with confidence.
In this session, we’ll break down what’s really critical for small business owners when it comes to IP. You’ll learn how to spot the types of intellectual property that matter most to your business, how to protect them without breaking the bank, and how the right IP strategy can open doors to new opportunities.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing approach, this workshop will give you practical tips, clear guidance, and confidence to make smarter IP decisions. Join us and learn how to protect what makes your business unique—and set yourself up for long-term success.
Location: Groover Labs, 334 St Francis, Wichita, KS 67202
Innovate & Elevate: 3-Part Series Over IP Strategy for the Mission (Part III)
October 22nd, 2025 | 10:30 A.M. - Noon
IP Strategy for the Mission - Part III: How Government Funding Affects IP Rights
Government contracts and funding can open exciting doors for small and dual-use businesses—but they also come with unique rules around intellectual property (IP). Understanding these rules is critical to protecting your innovations while working with federal agencies.
In this session, we’ll explore how government funding impacts IP rights, what small businesses need to know before signing agreements, and how to ensure you maintain control over your most valuable assets. Attendees will walk away with clear guidance on navigating contracts, spotting common pitfalls, and building strategies that balance compliance with long-term business goals.
Whether you’re new to government funding or already pursuing federal opportunities, this workshop will help you approach contracts with confidence and set your business up for mission-driven success.
Location: Groover Labs, 334 St Francis, Wichita, KS 67202