Government-Led Innovation Programs Overview

Mar 19 10:00 am — 11:00 am

Are you a small business that does research and development? Do you need help to explore your technological potential, prototyping, and commercialization? Join us to learn if Government-led Innovation Programs (GIPs) can help you achieve your goals.


Government-led Innovation Programs (GIPs) are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D). By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs are the most widely known GIPs. Two other programs fit under the GIPs program, the Challenge Program and the Science & Technology Program.

This training will provide the basics of the GIPs, including what the program is, who can participate, and steps to get started. Determination factors will be discussed to help you decide if jumping into the Government-led Innovation Programs is right for you!

Webinar Topics Include:

  • What Government-led Innovation Programs are
  • Who can participate in GIPs?
  • Benefits, risks, and expectations of the program
  • How to get started

Meet your speaker


Nanci R. Pigeon,

Procurement Specialist

Norcal APEX Accelerator

Nanci Pigeon has over 22 years’ experience in the Department of Defense and federal contracting. She began her contracting career as an active duty Air Force enlisted member and upon retirement from active duty, she transitioned to the federal contracting workforce. In her federal contracting career, Nanci has worked as a Contract Specialist, Contracting Officer, Procurement Analyst and Small Business Specialist with the Department of the Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. Upon her retirement from the federal contracting workforce, Nanci decided to provide her expertise in government contracting to small businesses by becoming a PTAC counselor.

Nanci specializes in federal contracting, registrations, and certifications. She is also well versed in California State registration and certification, as well as California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS). Nanci enjoys working with each Norcal PTAC client individually and developing a specific course of action to help the client achieve their government contracting goals.

Nanci has a BS in Management from Park University and an MS from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Strategic Purchasing. She is also a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) through the National Contract Management Association and maintains a Level III Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C).


Register for this Webinar Here >>

Registration Cost: FREE

Location: Virtual (Zoom Webinar)

Event Contact: Norcal APEX Accelerator

P: (707) 267-7561

E: info@norcalptac.org

The information provided in this webinar/ workshop and any supplementary materials provided to registrants are intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or legal advice. No registrant should act or fail to act on the basis of any material contained in this webinar/ workshop without obtaining proper financial, legal or other professional advice specific to their situation. The Northern California APEX Accelerator, and its host, the HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation, specifically disclaims any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the information presented in this webinar/ workshop. By registering for this webinar/ workshop you acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood, accept and agree to the above disclaimer and that under no circumstances shall the Northern California APEX Accelerator or it’s host, the HSU Sponsored Programs Foundation, be held liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any kind or nature arising out of or in any way related to the information provided in this webinar/ workshop and/or the registrant’s use of or reliance on said information.

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This no-cost training event is hosted by


Norcal APEX Accelerator

Northern California APEX Accelerator is a government-funded nonprofit formed to help small businesses find, bid on, and win contracts with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.