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Programs Overview

Here at the Collaboratory, we have different types of programming to fit your needs. Are you looking for a co-working space with guided coaching? Are you looking to flesh out your business idea? Do you just want to dip your toes in and come for a few hours to find out more about potential opportunities or learn more about a particular topic? The Collaboratory offers a variety of options ranging from structured programming to informal networking, workshop and speaker sessions. Our programming will continue to evolve, so check in to see what’s happening.

Gender–Inclusive. While the Collaboratory has a focus on women, we also offer programming that is non-gender specific and open to all.

Collaboratory Workshops and Offerings

The Collaboratory will offer special topic workshops designed to address the needs and demands of the community of women entrepreneurs and innovators. Special topic speakers, subject matter experts, successful entrepreneurs and investors will contribute to the growth and development of women innovators on our campus, in our community and nationally.

Core Programs

StartUp Roadmap

Helping Entrepreneurs Chart Their Course for Launching or Growing Early Stage Ventures

StartUp Roadmap is for those who interested in or working on launching a growth-oriented, scalable venture. The course is based on the internationally recognized Wendy Kennedy Curriculum and is augmented with mentoring and networking for maximum impact. StartUp Roadmap is also designed to provide next-stage training for EWITS graduates interested in starting their own companies. Open to all.  Learn more here.

Empowering Women in Technology Startups® (EWITS®)

EWITS®  is a hands-on experiential learning program that empowers participants with foundational business and leadership skills to advance their careers. Participants from various disciplines work with guided mentorship as part of a team — researching and understanding a real technology, writing a business plan, developing an investor pitch and going through a simulated exercise of creating a company. Launched in 2012, EWITS has developed a strong alumni network of past participants, mentors, speakers, and supporters. The program has received national recognition, including being named by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) as one of the leading programs in the country making an impact on gender innovation.  APPLICATIONS and information sessions for Spring 2020 Program now open.

SBIR/STTR Grant Workshop

Held Once Annually During Spring Semester
The SBIR/STTR initiatives are federally-funded grant programs that support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research for early-stage R&D via agencies including the NIH, NSF, DOD, DOE, and others. This full-day SBIR/STTR proposal- preparation workshop will teach participants how to garner proof-of-concept funding to enable them to further develop their technologies into marketable products. The workshop begins with an overview of the programs and then takes you through a simple but comprehensive four-step process for developing a credible and competitive Phase 1 (up to $150,000) proposal. The day concludes with an overview of Phase 2 of the programs, with tips for companies preparing Phase 2 (up to $1 million) proposals.  To be notified about upcoming SBIR/STTR workshops, please complete the notification form.

The next SBIR/STTR Workshop is Thursday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Hub, 747 SW Second Avenue, Suite 140. Cost is $65 and includes lunch. Register for the event today at bit.ly/collabsbir. Open to all.

SBIR/STTR Grant Assistance Program

The SBIR Assistance Program seeks to increase overall success rates for UF women researchers applying for competitively awarded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.  SBIR/STTR grants support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research for early-stage R&D.
Criteria: UF female-identifying faculty, staff and students (graduate-level or higher) who have not previously won SBIR/STTR award.  Apply at bit.ly/SBIRSTTR19

Collaboratory Membership Program

Designed for women who have a company or are working on launching a startup, the Collaboratory Membership program provides mentoring, coaching, strategic business guidance, resources, and general support. Assistance with developing business plans, investor pitches, targeting customers, market research setting up your business, marketing, networking and much more.
Criteria: Women and female-identifying individuals who currently have an active company with growth potential or are working on launching a company. Apply here to become a Collaboratory Member.

Event Calendar

march 2020

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