The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR 
and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

Combining the words “engine” and “ingenuity” this new term is born to symbolize the process of converting power into motion, or in our case, ideas into action. This program is an engine for the ingenious.

The mission of PROJECT ENGINUITY is to increase the number of Black, Hispanic, Latino and women applicants that receive access to non-dilutive capital (via SBIR awards) in order to stimulate meaningful innovation and build long-term wealth.

Project Enginuity was created as a support mechanism to increase the number of SBIR applicants among Black, Hispanic, Latino and women. Any company or individual that meets the SBIR eligibility guidelines are welcome to apply. The program is designed for those eligible for the SBIR program. This program is best suited for legally established startups and small businesses in the US who are pursuing research and development initiatives with Defense or Government-focused applications.

Some examples of technologies include (but are not limited to) Information Technology; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Human Systems, Healthcare, and Biotechnology; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance; Data and Analytics; Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials, Communications, Autonomy and Autonomous Systems; Space and High Altitude Space Alternatives; and more.

Our program focuses on customer discovery, value proposition development, market and customer identification, business model development, and positioning for SBIR proposals with foundational learning about SBIR programming.

Yes, Project Enginuity is a free training program.

No. The Dayton Chamber Minority Business Partnership and the Entrepreneurs’ Center have collaborated to provide a training platform to assist applicants with applying for highly competitive SBIR awards.

No, Project Enginuity is not a program of JPMorgan Chase. Project Enginuity is a national training program provided by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneurs Center.

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Partnership (DACC MBP) is an economic development program, which supports the growth and development of Black, Hispanic, Latino and women companies through supporting training initiatives that increase access to capital and contracts for diverse companies that will in turn increase the vibrancy and competitiveness of all businesses.

Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) is a modern economic development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship and innovation. Annually, the EC works with over 1,000 brilliant entrepreneurs to start and grow companies, create jobs, generate revenue, and attract investment. The EC empowers startups and small businesses in technology, lifestyle, and research sectors through complimentary professional services including: business planning, mentoring, training, networking, marketing and commercialization. The EC’s talented and experienced team of advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and staff design and facilitate diverse, world-class business acceleration programs on behalf of higher education institutions, government agencies—including the U.S. Department of Defense, among many others, from their headquarters at The Hub in the historic Arcade downtown Dayton, OH.

No. We do not guarantee that participants will win a SBIR award. SBIR is a highly competitive program for Research and R&D. The SBIR program is independent from this program with autonomous decision and funding mechanisms.

Due to COVID-19, all cohorts will be held on a virtual platforms that will take place on the following dates:

Cohort #1: October 24, 2022 | Mon – Fri, 12–3pm EST

Cohort #2: November 14, 2022 | Mon – Fri, 12–3pm EST

Cohort #3: November 28, 2022 | Mon – Fri, 12–3pm EST

Cohort #4: December 12, 2022 | Mon – Fri, 12–3pm EST

Once admitted, you will be grouped into cohorts and more information will be provided.

If you are not admitted to the program, we will send you resources to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. We don’t want any company left behind.

You can apply HERE.

We will evaluate all applications. The applications will be reviewed by a committee who select up to 60 participants based on variables such as commercialization potential, market opportunity, financial sustainability, and team.

Non-dilutive capital made available through a SBIR grant or contract is money that can be used for Research or R&D by a qualifying small business to accomplish SBIR-funded goals. Non-dilutive capital does not require the small business to give up any equity or ownership of their business in order to receive the funding.