ARC WA - Washington APEX Accelerator, formerly Washington PTAC

What is ARC WA?

Founded in 2022, the Accelerating Research and Commercialization – Washington (ARC WA) program serves early-stage firms developing novel innovative products or technology who are seeking federal research and development funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Unlike traditional venture capital, SBIR/STTR funds are non-dilutive, so participants retain full company ownership, including the rights to intellectual property.

As the state’s first centralized support system for companies pursuing SBIR/STTR awards, the program serves small businesses statewide with an emphasis on women-owned, rural-based, and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses pursuing research and innovation activities throughout the state’s 39 counties.

ARC WA also serves as an important resource for entrepreneurial support organizations, sharing resources, events, solicitations, legislative actions and other information relevant to driving SBIR/STTR outcomes.

The goals of the ARC WA program are to:

Increase the number of Phase I SBIR/STTR awards in WA
Provide train the trainer to resource partners across the state
Provide on line and in person training to entrepreneurs to learn about SBIR
Provide resource links for innovators
Increase technical assistance funding matches for SBIR applicants

Want to learn more? Email us at arcwa@lswinstitute.org.

How to Get Involved

Small Businesses

To find out if the SBIR/STTR program is for you, we suggest you start by attending one of our SBIR 101 presentations. This presentation will give you the basics as well as provide you with links to further training opportunities and local resources.

To sign up for an ARCWA event visit our Events Calendar and filter for ARC WA or SBIR events.

Business Advisors and Economic Development Organizations

Part of the requirement of an SBIR/STTR award is that the awardee develop and commercialize a new technology. This entity will need community support as they grow toward production. Knowing about the program and how to keep local awardees local as they grow is important to the economic strength of your region. ARC WA offers no-cost in person training statewide for organizations that either directly or indirectly support the growth of small business innovators. Reach out to Kate Hoy, khoy@thurstonedc.com to find out how to organize a train the trainer in your region.

For More Details on the SBA SBIR Program

The Small Business Administration provides oversight for the SBIR/STTR Program. Learn by visiting https://www.sbir.gov/

The ARC WA program is made possible by a 2022 Small Business Administration (SBA) Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) grant and is a partnership between Life Science Washington Institute and the Washington State PTAC/APEX program.