- Workshops & Training
Workshops & Training for Startups & Researchers
For more than a decade, Colleen Spiegel, Ph.D. has helped startups, researchers, universities, and innovation teams navigate SBIR/STTR funding, commercialization, R&D planning, entrepreneurship, and federal readiness.
- Virtual & In-Person
- SBIR/STTR Expert
- Author & Advisor
- Commercialization Strategist
10+ yrs
helping founders win federal funding
Working Sessions
Not generic training.
About These Programs
Working sessions built around your team, your technology, and your outcomes.
These workshops are a combination of lecture-style presentations combined with working sessions designed to give your team a framework, a plan, and direct feedback on your specific situation.
All workshops are available virtually or in-person. Most formats include a leave-behind toolkit of templates and checklists, and the half-day and full-day options include a live Q&A where participants receive direct feedback on their specific challenges.
01
Practical Frameworks
Battle-tested templates and checklists built from a decade of federal funding work.
02
Real-world Feedback
Hot seats give participants direct feedback on their specific technology and opportunity.
03
Templates & Checklists
Most formats include a leave-behind toolkit you can use the next morning.
04
Live Q&A Sessions
Half-day and full-day formats include live Q&A for your team's specific challenges.
Colleen Spiegel, Ph.D.
Founder · Semscio
Instructor
Hard-won clarity from a practitioner who has navigated the federal funding ecosystem firsthand.
Colleen brings the practical perspective of someone who has actually translated technology into funded ventures — not just taught the theory
Founder of Semscio
SBIR/STTR Expert
Author
Startup Advisor
Commercialization Strategist
10+
Years Experience
100s
Founders Supported
Federal
Funding Expertise
Author
Books on SBIR/STTR
The Programs
Six workshops covering the full funding-to-commercialization journey.
Each program is delivered virtually or in-person, with optional team customization.
Grant Funding · Workshop 01
SBIR/STTR Strategy & Proposal Fundamentals
For startups pursuing their first federal research award
Most first-time SBIR/STTR applicants do not fail because their technology is weak — they fail because they do not understand how federal reviewers evaluate proposals. This workshop closes that gap with practical, field-tested strategy that helps your team walk in prepared and walk out with a clear path to submission.
Best For
- Early-stage startups pursuing their first SBIR or STTR award
- Founders and technical teams preparing a Phase I application
- Accelerators and incubators whose portfolio companies need grant readiness training
What Participants Leave With
- Understand how federal reviewers score every section of your proposal
- Identify the right agency and solicitation for your technology
- Build a compelling commercialization argument — the section most first-timers get wrong
- Leave with a complete proposal outline and Colleen's personal review checklist
Formats & Pricing
Essentials
90-min virtual
$750
Half-day workshop
3–4 hours
$2,000
Full-day intensive
6–8 hours
$4,000
Half-day agenda (sample)
Hour 1
Foundation
The SBIR/STTR ecosystem, agencies, timelines, and why first-time applicants fail
Hour 2
Strategy
Solicitation selection, technology positioning, and building your commercialization argument
Hour 3
Proposal mechanics
Significance, Innovation, and Approach sections — budget basics and what to avoid
30 min
Hot seats
Live feedback on each participant's specific opportunity
Commercialization · Workshop 02
Build Your Commercialization Plan in a Day
For Phase I winners building toward Phase II
Winning a Phase I is a milestone — but Phase II reviewers expect a rigorous, credible commercialization plan, and most startups aren’t ready. This workshop walks your team through building a plan that satisfies federal reviewers and actually functions as a real business strategy.
Best For
- SBIR/STTR Phase I awardees preparing their Phase II application
- Startups with working technology that need a credible path to market
- University spinouts and tech transfer teams navigating commercialization for the first time
What Participants Leave With
- Build a complete commercialization framework your team can execute
- Size your market credibly with TAM, SAM, and SOM
- Develop a revenue model and identify key partnerships
- Structure your commercialization narrative the way Phase II reviewers expect to see it
Formats & Pricing
Essentials
90-min virtual
$750
Half-day workshop
3–4 hours
$2,000
Full-day intensive
6–8 hours
$4,000
Half-day agenda (sample)
Hour 1
Foundation
The SBIR/STTR ecosystem, agencies, timelines, and why first-time applicants fail
Hour 2
Strategy
Solicitation selection, technology positioning, and building your commercialization argument
Hour 3
Proposal mechanics
Significance, Innovation, and Approach sections — budget basics and what to avoid
30 min
Hot seats
Live feedback on each participant's specific opportunity
R&D Planning · Workshop 03
R&D Planning for Funded Startups
For newly funded teams who need a structured, defensible R&D roadmap
Getting funded is the beginning, not the finish line. Once you have a federal award, you need a rigorous R&D plan that satisfies program managers, keeps your milestones on track, and sets you up for Phase II. This workshop helps newly funded teams build that structure from the ground up.
Best For
- Startups that have just received their first SBIR or STTR Phase I award
- Technical founders who need to translate their research into a structured work plan
- Teams preparing their R&D plan section for a Phase II application
What Participants Leave With
- Build a milestone-based R&D roadmap aligned to federal reporting requirements
- Identify and mitigate technical risks before they become reporting problems
- Clarify team roles, subcontractor relationships, and resource allocation
- Leave with a planning template and Phase II readiness checklist
Formats & Pricing
Virtual session
90-min virtual
$750
Team workshop
Half-day
$1,500
Half-day agenda (sample)
Hour 1
R&D foundations
Structure, milestones, federal requirements, and common planning mistakes
Hour 2
Planning & risk
Building the roadmap, identifying risks, and mitigation strategies
Hour 3
Team & resources
Roles, subcontractors, budget alignment, and reporting cadence
30 min
Hot seats
Live feedback on each team's specific R&D planning challenge
Federal Operations · Workshop 04
SAM.gov & Federal Contracting Readiness
The essential first step for any startup working with the federal government
SAM.gov registration is required before you can receive any federal grant or contract — but the process is confusing, error-prone, and full of hidden delays that can derail your application timeline. This session walks startups through the complete process, what to watch out for, and how to stay compliant long after you’re registered.
Best For
- Startups preparing to submit their first SBIR or STTR application
- Small businesses pursuing federal contracts for the first time
- SBDCs, PTACs, and accelerators whose clients need registration support
What Participants Leave With
- Complete your SAM.gov registration correctly the first time
- Understand UEI numbers, CAGE codes, and entity validation requirements
- Avoid the common errors that cause delays and rejected applications
- Know your annual renewal obligations and how to stay compliant
Formats & Pricing
Keynote
60–90 minutes
$2,500
Half-day workshop
3–4 hours
$2,000
Full-day intensive
6–8 hours
$4,000
Half-day agenda (sample)
0–20 min
Federal system overview
Why SAM.gov matters, what it unlocks, and who needs to register
20–50 min
Registration walkthrough
Step-by-step: UEI, CAGE code, entity validation, and common errors
50–70 min
Staying compliant
Annual renewal, record maintenance, and connecting to grants.gov
70–90 min
Q&A
Live answers to your specific registration situation
Commercialization · Keynote · Workshop 05
From Researcher to Revenue: Commercializing Your R&D
For universities, research institutes, and funded teams ready to think beyond the lab
Most researchers are experts at generating knowledge — but turning that knowledge into a funded, market-ready venture requires a completely different skill set. This workshop bridges the gap, combining R&D strategy and commercialization planning into a single cohesive roadmap. Available as a half-day or full-day workshop, or as a keynote for conferences and research events.
Best For
- University tech transfer offices and Office of Research teams
- Research institutes and national lab commercialization programs
- Conference organizers looking for a keynote on R&D commercialization and startup formation
What Participants Leave With
- Understand the full pathway from research to market-ready product
- Align your R&D milestones with commercial outcomes from day one
- Identify the right funding pathway for your technology stage
- Build a go-to-market strategy that works alongside your federal funding
Formats & Pricing
Essentials
90-min virtual
$750
Half-day workshop
3–4 hours
$1,500
Org training
Half-day for L&D teams
$2,000
Half-day agenda (sample)
Hour 1
R&D strategy
Structuring research for commercial outcomes and milestone-based planning
Hour 2
Market & funding
Identifying markets, funding pathways, and SBIR/STTR alignment
Hour 3
Commercialization plan
Go-to-market options, partnerships, and licensing vs. venture decisions
30 min
Hot seats
Live feedback on each team's technology and commercialization pathway
Entrepreneurship · Workshop 06
Break Out & Build: Starting a Business Around Your Expertise
For professionals ready to turn their knowledge into an independent venture
Thousands of corporate professionals, academics, and federal employees have deep expertise that could fuel a successful business — but they don’t know how to start, what to offer, or how to find their first clients. This workshop provides a practical, honest roadmap: validate your idea, build your first offer, and take the leap without unnecessary risk.
Best For
- Corporate professionals exploring entrepreneurship as a next step
- Academics and researchers considering a consulting practice or startup
- HR and L&D teams supporting employees through career transitions or layoffs
What Participants Leave With
- Validate whether your expertise translates to a viable business
- Design and price your first offer — a service, course, or consulting package
- Identify your first ten potential clients and how to reach them
- Leave with a 90-day action plan you can start the next morning
Formats & Pricing
Per participant
Individual enrollment
$1,500
Sponsored team
Up to 10 participants
$12,000
Full cohort potential
10 individuals
$15,000
Half-day agenda (sample)
0–20 min
Federal system overview
Why SAM.gov matters, what it unlocks, and who needs to register
20–50 min
Registration walkthrough
Step-by-step: UEI, CAGE code, entity validation, and common errors
50–70 min
Staying compliant
Annual renewal, record maintenance, and connecting to grants.gov
70–90 min
Q&A
Live answers to your specific registration situation
- Cohort Program
Federal Funding Accelerator
4-week group program for startups pursuing their first SBIR/STTR award.
Limited to 10 participants.
Most startups go through the SBIR/STTR process alone, making expensive mistakes that cost them months and funding opportunities. The Federal Funding Accelerator brings together a small cohort of serious founders for four weeks of live instruction, peer accountability, and personalized proposal feedback — giving participants everything they need to submit a competitive application.
4-Week Curriculum
1
Week 1
Federal landscape
Agencies, solicitations, eligibility requirements, and finding your best-fit opportunity
2
Week 2
Proposal strategy
Positioning your technology, understanding review criteria, and building your narrative
3
Week 3
Commercialization
Market validation, revenue model, and building a reviewer-ready commercialization plan
4
Week 4
Submit-ready
SAM.gov, budget basics, final proposal review, and submission checklist
What's Included
- 4 live 90-minute group sessions (virtual)
- Async Q&A support between sessions
- Recordings of all sessions
- 30-day post-cohort follow-up call
- Personal proposal review with written feedback from Colleen
- Complete proposal strategy document
- Templates, checklists, and resource toolkit
Investment
Per participant
Individual enrollment
$1,500
Sponsored team
Up to 10 participan
$12,000
Full cohort potential
10 individuals
$15,000
Upcoming Dates
2026 workshop schedule
Exact dates are announced as cohorts open. Reach out to be notified or to request a custom date for your team.
Spring 2026
Limited Seats
SBIR/STTR Strategy & Proposal Fundamentals
Virtual
Book a Call →
Spring 2026
Enrolling Soon
Build Your Commercialization Plan in a Day
Virtual & In-Person
Book a Call →
Spring 2026
Enrolling Soon
R&D Planning for Funded Startups
Virtual
Book a Call →
Spring 2026
Enrolling Soon
SAM.gov & Federal Contracting Readiness
Virtual & In-Person
Book a Call →
Fall 2026
Enrolling Soon
From Researcher to Revenue: Commercializing Your R&D
Virtual
Book a Call →
Fall 2026
Open
Break Out & Build: Starting a Business Around Your Expertise
Virtual & In-Person
Book a Call →
Testimonials
Trusted by founders, researchers, and innovation leaders.
FAQ
Common questions about workshops & cohorts.
Are workshops available virtually?
Yes. Every workshop is available virtually or in-person, with the same depth of content and live Q&A in either format.
Can workshops be customized?
Absolutely. All workshops can be customized for your team’s specific technology, stage, and outcomes. Reach out for a custom scope.
Do you offer team training?
Yes. Team and organizational training is available for accelerators, incubators, university programs, and corporate L&D teams. Bulk and cohort pricing is available.
How do I book a workshop?
Use the booking button on this page or contact Colleen directly through semscio.com/contact. We’ll confirm scope, dates, and format within one business day.
Do you provide follow-up resources?
Most formats include leave-behind toolkits — templates, checklists, and recordings. The Federal Funding Accelerator includes a 30-day follow-up call.
Can universities book private sessions?
Yes. University tech transfer offices, Office of Research teams, and research institutes can book private cohorts or keynote sessions for conferences and events.
Book a Workshop or Join the Next Cohort
Ready to build a stronger funding, commercialization, or growth strategy?
All workshops are available virtually or in-person and can be customized for your team or organization. To inquire about availability, request a custom quote, or ask about bulk or cohort pricing, reach out directly.