Sierra Accelerator for Growth & Entrepreneurship

Helping technology entrepreneurs access federal grant funding

Three people dressed in business clothing working at a table with laptops and a large monitor displaying chart graphics.

Who we are

The Sierra Accelerator for Growth and Entrepreneurship (SAGE) program is a statewide program offered through the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

We assist Nevada small businesses who are tech-focused and seeking federally funded Research Development Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) awards or contracts from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs offer equity-free funding for developing technologies that contribute to U.S. government agencies- from research and development to implementation and impact.

How does SAGE work?

Our team works directly with technology startups and innovators to understand your company's technical capabilities, growth objectives, and funding needs. Through individualized consultation and strategic guidance, we help you navigate the complex process of advancing technology development, securing federal research and development funding, and positioning your company for long-term success.

Whether your innovation supports applications in aerospace, defense, artificial intelligence, advanced communications, biotechnology, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing or other technologies vital to national security and economic competitiveness, SAGE can help identify funding pathways aligned with your company's stage of growth, technical maturity and organizational capacity.

Funding and commercialization support

Federal agency and solicitation matching
SBIR/STTR funding strategy development
Commercialization and market-entry planning
Business development support for integrating Research Development Testing and Evaluation programs with private investment opportunities
Guidance on Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) opportunities

Proposal review and feedback

Executive summary and cover sheet
Technical volume
Cost and budget volume
Commercialization strategy
Market analysis
Intellectual property strategy and assessment
Agency-specific proposal requirements and evaluation criteria

Technical and innovation resources

Connections to University of Nevada, Reno, federal and industry research facilities
Access to subject matter experts and specialized consultants
Introductions to federal agency program managers and stakeholders
Referrals to potential industry partners, prime contractors and strategic collaborators
Connections to Nevada's entrepreneurial support organizations and innovation ecosystem partners

At SAGE, our goal is to help Nevada innovators move technologies from concept to commercialization by providing the strategic resources, relationships, and expertise needed to compete successfully for federal funding and accelerate market adoption.

Connect with the SAGE team and start pursuing funding today.

Businesses seeking assistance through SAGE should meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be located within the State of Nevada.
Be actively engaged in technology-based research, development, and innovation activities.
Demonstrate a willingness to participate in coaching, mentoring, and strategic advisory services designed to navigate the complex process of securing federally funded research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) opportunities, including SBIR and STTR programs.

SAGE works with Nevada-based innovators and technology companies to strengthen proposal competitiveness, align technologies with federal funding priorities, accelerate commercialization, and support long-term business growth.

Submit your business idea

What is SBIR and STTR?

Learn more about SBIR and STTR. America's Seed Fund - Powered by the Small Business Administration

Partner organizations

Nevada Apex Accelerator, Procurement Outreach Program

A unit of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Nevada Apex Accelerator connects Nevada businesses with opportunities for government or public sector contracting through education, marketing, procurement technical assistance, support documentation, e-commerce and networking.

Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development

The Procurement Assistance and Outreach program connects Nevada businesses with opportunities for government or public sector contracting.

Nevada Small Business Development Center

The Nevada Small Business Development Center provides services such as confidential consulting, market analysis, research and projections, and energy efficiency assistance to entrepreneurs. The center, in collaboration with public and private sector entities, also offers workshops, seminars and training courses.

StartUpNV

A state-wide business incubator for Nevada, StartUpNV offers the space and resources to take an idea through beta testing to a revenue-producing business for a low monthly fee. StartUpNV also runs an annual boot camp for companies that aren’t in the full-time incubation program.

UNLV Office of Economic Development

The UNLV Office of Economic Development works with public and private partners to address real-world needs and bring life-changing products and services to market utilizing university resources and talent. By attracting industry-sponsored research, developing intellectual property, and partnering with companies and organizations that share their vision, they support economic development at all stages.

University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center

SAGE operates out of the Innevation Center, a collaborative space designed to empower Nevada’s next generation of economic leaders by igniting the creative and entrepreneurial spirits in University of Nevada, Reno students, faculty, community creatives, makers, economic developers and emerging global tech companies.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Programs encouraging domestic small businesses to explore research and development with the potential for commercialization to stimulate high-tech innovation through SBIR-STTR funding.