Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:61 companies were assigned to Larta from the USDA-SBIR program, and of those, 11 companies dropped. Thus, this year, USDA-CAP1 had a total of 50 participating companies. The goal of the USDA-CAP1 is to support Phase 1 awardees by assisting in the design of a strong Commercialization Plan (CP). This was done through the online Commercialization Plan (CP) module system found on the Larta Portal which was developed specifically for the USDA-CAP1 to facilitate more simple online interactions between the participating companies, Principal Advisors, and Larta. The online CP module system is structured around 5 modules that cover USDA designated areas critical to the Commercialization Plan. 61 companies were assigned to Larta from the USDA-SBIR program, and of those, 11 companies dropped. Thus, this year, USDA-CAP1 had a total of 50 participating companies. The goal of the USDA-CAP1 is to support Phase 1 awardees by assisting in the design of a strong Commercialization Plan (CP). This was done through the online Commercialization Plan (CP) module system found on the Larta Portal which was developed specifically for the USDA-CAP1 to facilitate more simple online interactions between the participating companies, Principal Advisors, and Larta. The online CP module system is structured around 5 modules that cover USDA designated areas critical to the Commercialization Plan. Changes/Problems:Several of the recommendations from previous cycles of the program pertaining to the portal and the CP modules (linking to Larta resources, revising CP module questions, and the provision of CP modules in an easy to download Word document) were addressed by Larta as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. The limited funding available under the grant vehicle meant that we were limited in our ability to deploy the limited amount of resources at our disposal. Yet companies expressed a desire for more frequent interaction. We recognize that USDA is pursuing alternate means to deliver the CAP1 with a greater allocation of resources that will enable a greater number of hours for the program, which help address this issue. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A. An Initial Strategy/Assessment Call: Principal Advisors (PAs) held an initial teleconference with each of their assigned companies. The purpose of this call was to: 1) develop a working relationship between the PA and the Company, 2) allow the PA to make a proper assessment of the company's business needs, goals, and vision, and 3) allow both the PA and Company to develop strategic planning efforts working toward a successful Commercialization Plan completion. B. Commercialization Plan Modules: The online Commercialization Plan (CP) module system was specifically developed to facilitate simple online interactions between the participating companies, Principal Advisors, and Larta. The online CP module system is structured around 5 modules covering designated critical areas in the USDA Commercialization Plan. The 5 modules are as follows: Module 1: Introduction of the SBIR Project and Expected Outcomes Module 2: Company Information Module 3: The Market, Customer, and Competition Module 4: Intellectual Property Module 5: Revenue Stream & Financing In November 2013, participating companies prepared their Commercialization Plan utilizing the online CP module system after the Company completed their modules and submitted them for review the Principal Advisor provided expert input for consideration. See a snapshot of this interaction in Appendix A. Although the Commercialization Plan was due on February 27th, companies were given until March to finish any work pending with their PA. C. Web-Based Training: Participating companies were also provided with access to Webinars to enhance their knowledge base and train companies in concepts related to commercialization in general and topics relevant to the Commercialization Plan itself. Webinars were developed and offered based on the need to provide objective information and guidance in areas of business development, customer development, and presentation skills. See below for a top level description of the webinar topics/titles. Please See Appendix B for a more detailed list of the webinar topics provided to USDA CAP1 participants. • Funding Options for Early Stage Companies • Using Social Media to Build Your Brand • Obtaining, Asserting, and Challenging Patents under the America Invents Act • The Business of Commercializing Your Intellectual Property • Crowdfunding: Leveling the Playing Field for Your Small Business • Market Research for Early-Stage Companies • Trademark Nuts and Bolts: How to Protect Your Company's Brand • If, When & How to Build a Sales Team for Your Small Business • Creating a Financial Forecast for Your Early Stage Business • Material/Chemicals/Energy Industry Salon • Putting Your Best Foot Forward • Realizing Value through Patents • Social Media for Startups - How to Determine When & If to Use Social Media • Licensing Your Technology Rights • Strategic Partnerships & Alliances How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminates to communities of interest through submission of reports to the USDA. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The USDA-CAP1 Program is a 5-month long program (Oct - Feb) that provides USDA SBIR Phase I awardees commercialization assistance and training to enhance their commercialization skills and support their write up of a robust Commercialization Plan which is mandatory for their USDA SBIR Phase II applications. There are three objectives to the program: (1) provide web-based training to enhance the awardees understanding of subjects pertaining to the commercialization process and addressing the components of a commercialization plan, (2) provide expert (Principal Advisor), third-party, market-based feedback to participants on their commercialization plan; this is accomplished through a custom online portal that guides participants to complete individualized "modules" that constitute the components of the commercialization plan, (3) a tracking effort to evaluate thevalue of the training effort and the Phase II rate of success for each participant.

Publications

Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: 40 companies were assigned to Larta from the USDA-SBIR program, and of those, 9 companies dropped. Thus, this year, USDA-CAP1 had a total of 31 participating companies. The goal of the USDA-CAP1 is to support Phase 1 awardees by assisting in the design of a strong Commercialization Plan (CP). This was done through the online Commercialization Plan (CP) module system found on the Larta Portal which was developed specifically for the USDA-CAP1 to facilitate more simple online interactions between the participating companies, Principal Advisors, and Larta. The online CP module system is structured around 5 modules that cover USDA designated areas critical to the Commercialization Plan. Changes/Problems: At the end of the program we surveyed the companies to get a sense of their experience in the program. The survey showed that the majority of the companies had a favorable experience, and all companies said they would participate in the program again. There were also a few concerns that were mentioned. The survey responses were analyzed and we are planning to implement new features and changes to enhance the companies’ experience for the next program cycle. Some of the proposed changes are listed below: 1. Give companies the option of choosing the online Modules or a Microsoft outline. 2. Provide a link connecting the companies to a resource section in the CAP module questions, to provide the companies a better understanding of the questions asked with examples of past answers given, mentor advice, and a webinar example. The enhancement with the resource section will help clarify any confusion the companies may have. We held a meeting with Charles Cleland and a few other National Program Leaders to discuss the proposed program modifications below, as well as provide a full program overview. Suggested program modifications: · Larta Portal o Create a Discussion Board o Create “in-mail” within the Portal o Provide video tutorials for each Commercialization Plan (CP) Modules · CP Modules Link to Larta Resources: webinars, sample Commercialization Plans, FAQs and frequent topics of advice from principal advisors (PAs), and key words needed. Provide CP Modules using an online Word document Online Document will allow a time stamp in order to keep record of comments and submissions o Provide a Sample Commercialization Plan What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The companies received training and professional development through feedback and insight provided by their mentors. The program consisted of strategy development phone calls, constant revisions of the CP modules, and communication through email exchanges. The feedback provided by the mentors allowed the companies’ business goals to grow continuously throughout the program. The companies came to understand the significance of building a business model including patents, market research, competition, and an exit strategy. The USDA-CAP1 grantees were allowed to develop a new perspective on their projects and business strategy, and all participants had the opportunity to continue their relationships with the mentors in hopes of further evolving their business goals. In addition to their mentoring, the companies were invited to various Larta webinars which focused on common business topics, such as: crowd funding, market research, strategic partnerships, and trademarks. The different webinars were led by prominent leaders in the ag space, allowing them to provide guidance to the companies, thus enhancing their knowledge on running a start-up. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? As the program participants’ business knowledge progresses, they come to reach a level that allows them to showcase their value proposition to outside entities. Larta’s association with the Ag Innovation Showcase provides an accessible medium to the companies in our program get exposure to multiple networking communities, with their participation in the Ag Innovation Showcase. The Ag Innovation Showcase has multiple agricultural participants that range from innovators, investors, and others in the ag-tech space. Many past alumni companies have achieved significant success by networking with key players from across the industry from start-up businesses, established investors to new innovators. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Our plan during the next reporting period consist of revamping the module system by allowing companies to complete their CP modules on an online word document, or through the Larta online portal system. The companies will also have the opportunity to discuss their answers and goals with multiple companies through a discussion board created. The discussion board will allow companies to gain knowledge from multiple start-up companies like themselves. The discussion board will also create interaction and networking opportunities for the companies. We plan to provide a link connecting the company to a resource section if the company needs more explanation. The resource section will provide examples of past answers given, past mentor advice, and a webinar example. The resource section, Microsoft outline, and discussion board will help tailor the program giving multiple options for companies to construct their CP accordingly.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Throughout the program, each participating company’s commercialization skills were enhanced through to their collaborations with their assigned mentors. The mentoring helped companies create in-depth Commercialization Plans for optimizing the chances of obtaining Phase II grants. During this year’s program, we were able to thoroughly analyze each company’s experience using our system. The business-focused sections of the Commercialization Plan proved challenging for the companies. They struggled to explain their revenue model, marketing strategy, value of patents, and target customers. Critiques received from the company’s mentor allowed them to research, re-think, and strategize the content for their Commercialization Plans. Understanding where companies needed the most assistance allowed our team to focus on building new enhancements to further assist the companies for next year. A new enhancement to the program is to provide examples for the companies to further develop their understanding of the questions asked in the Commercialization Plan modules. These examples will include links to a resource section on our online portal. The resource section will provide examples such as: webinars, advice from Principal Advisors, and sample Commercialization Plans. This will lessen any confusion the companies encounter when completing their Commercialization Plans.

Publications

Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: 61 companies were assigned to Larta from the USDA-SBIR program, and of those, 11 companies dropped. Thus, this year, USDA-CAP1 had a total of 50 participating companies. The goal of the USDA-CAP1 is to support Phase 1 awardees by assisting in the design of a strong Commercialization Plan (CP). This was done through the online Commercialization Plan (CP) module system found on the Larta Portal which was developed specifically for the USDA-CAP1 to facilitate more simple online interactions between the participating companies, Principal Advisors, and Larta. The online CP module system is structured around 5 modules that cover USDA designated areas critical to the Commercialization Plan. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Through the introductions made to their mentors, the CAP1 USDA grantee companies were able to develop a new perspective on their projects and business strategy. All participating conpanies had the opportunity to continue their relationships with the mentors in hope of further evolving their business goals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? A majority of the participaiting companies used the feedback and guidance provided by our Commercializtion Plan Module system to develop their Commercialization Plans and Phase II applications. With their Phase II grants, these organizations have the opportunity to further market their project and share their findings with the industry and intellectual community. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Within the next reporting period, we hope to provide a better understanding of the companies' stage of development how it coincides with the application deadline. We also plan to better tailor the program to each individual company need and adjust the hours used to work on the CP modules accordingly.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We provided training to USDA Phase I SBIR awardess. Through their mentoring, their commercialization skills were enhanced through the development of their Commercialization Plan. The Commercialization Plan was broken down into 5 modules in order to make the process more palatable to the companies. The companies worked together with their assigned mentors through each module and made sure all information was provided correctly and properly. The mentors made sure to address strategic business issues as well as overall presentation in their comments and feedback. Tracking for the sucess of this process can be seen in the number of companies that went on to secure Phase II SBIR grants.

Publications