Your Guiding Light

The Missoula SBDC office assisted Tier 1 Solar in leveraging their technology to provide large-scale energy needs in nationwide remote locations — like the owner’s ranch in rural Montana. The Missoula SBDC office made referrals to help Tier 1 Solar build its team to quickly acquire first round and subsequent funding, and launch quickly in a competitive market. Missoula SBDC has also helped connect Tier 1 Solar to the U.S. Commercial Service for future international sales exploration. To date, Tier 1 Solar has closed $922,000 in seed and Series A funding while creating 4 jobs. Today, the Missoula SBDC helps Tier 1 Solar explore possible project sites and incentives in Montana communities for their manufacturing facility.

Researchers and innovators are adept at making brilliant discoveries, but when it comes to securing funding to take those breakthroughs to commercialization, they rely upon the advice and guidance of the Innovation and Technology Commercialization team of consultants at the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC). NBDC offers professional guidance on applying for SBIR/STTR funding in one-on-one sessions and in webinars such as the Medical Innovation.

Developed through a Google Impact Challenge grant, The Nevada Entrepreneur Network, powered by Startup Space and the Nevada SBDC, presents Nevada's business development resources on a streamlined, easy-to-use online and interactive platform. The Nevada Entrepreneur Network was launched in late 2020 to help entrepreneurs across Nevada start, scale, staff and protect their businesses. It is the first statewide online community providing access to continued education, networking opportunities, and important developments in the local marketplace!

Imagine you could literally have a thousand-foot view of a challenge. The solution would be visible more quickly and easily than when you are standing right in the middle of it all. Stefan Claesson's company Nearview is doing this for environmental science, getting a closer look at ecosystems by using aerial drones to help scientists, engineers, researchers, and environmental advocates study, understand, and respond to the world around us. Stefan notes, “I have a science and liberal arts background, but not much in business administration and development. I needed guidance out of the gate on building and managing my business, and SBDC advisors provided feedback and direction that was otherwise unavailable to me.”

Maestro Technologies, Inc. delivers transformative technology that empowers its clients to succeed in achieving their business goals. Maestro’s solutions and services span the technological spectrum. Maestro has worked closely with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to create opportunities for technological growth and began the bidding process for public and government contracting opportunities. They reached out to NJSBDC for assistance, receiving counseling and guidance in navigating the bidding process. With NJSBDC’s assistance, Maestro has won six bids in the past 10 months. In 2021, Maestro has created 27 full-time jobs and increased sales by $1.4 million.