The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced it will launch a 16-stop road tour connecting entrepreneurs working on advanced technology to the country’s largest source of early stage funding—the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Also known as America’s Seed Fund, the SBIR/STTR programs focus on next generation research and development (R&D) and is led by the SBA with 11 participating federal agencies.

“Every year, we meet entrepreneurs from around the country looking to turn their big idea into another great American innovation story. We are committed to supporting America’s small businesses owners wherever they are,” said SBA Administrator Linda McMahon. “This tour reflects our continued commitment to ensuring that these innovators are aware of SBA’s resources to help them reach that goal.”

Each SBIR Road Tour stop will be hosted by a local organization involved in supporting entrepreneurs in next generation R&D. Program managers from the participating federal agencies will conduct one-on-one meetings with attendees, take part in targeted panels, discuss technology areas, and share insights into how the agencies make funding decisions.

Here is the National SBIR Road Tour schedule for 2019:

The Southwest Tour will run from August 12-16, with stops in Tucson, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Boulder, Colo.

The Eastern Tour will run from September 16-20, with stops in Burlington, Vt.; Albany, N.Y.; New Brunswick, N.J.; State College, Pa.; and College Park, Md.

To wrap up, the SBIR Road Tour will stop in Miami, Fla., on November 13 and in Puerto Rico on November 15.

Small technology firms, innovators, scientists or researchers seeking more information on the SBIR Road Tour, including a schedule of stops and participating agencies, should visit www.sbirroadtour.com.