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Research Grants The Smart Airport and Aviation Partnership (SAAP) invites proposals for aviation-related small research grants in amounts between $1,000 and $30,000. About SAAP Research Grants SUBSCRIBE The application period for this solicitation has ended. Please join our Mailing List for future events and funding opportunities SAAP is a public-private partnership formed to assist regional efforts to build an aviation ecosystem in Southern New Jersey. It is funded by a matching grant from the United State Economic Development Authority (USEDA). The central applicant for the grant was the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), and the SAAP program is managed by ACEA with assistance from the National Institute of Aerospace. Both Cape May County and Atlantic County are among the partners comprising SAAP. ​ SAAP’s primary activities include (1) the business accelerator known as “flightPlan,” serving competitively selected cohorts of aviation-related companies, (2) the Small Research Grant program described here, (3) activities with our regional economic development partners that attract and facilitate aviation-related businesses in the Southern New Jersey region; and (4) support and encouragement of “Smart Airport” technologies. ​ Your grant proposal must include (in no more than 10 pages): Proponent’s resume or, if proponent is a company, resumes of founders and statement of corporate status (e.g., C corp, LLC), statement of corporate missions, and amount of time you have been in business; Link to your website, if any; Description of your proposed research and methodology, including the technology(ies) you propose to enhance or develop, anticipated duration of research, sites at which research will be performed, and why and to whom your research will be useful; Explanation of how your proposal aligns with SAAP missions and/or publicly-announced aims of the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center located in Southern New Jersey; Identity and resumes of research and test team members; Articulation of how a SAAP grant will supplement your current resources and capabilities, how you plan to continue and conclude your research, including milestones, and what you will consider a successful conclusion; A budget, including milestones, supporting payments of grant funding (please note that larger grants may be made in progress payments as milestones are reached); Draft ConOps, if applicable; and Amount you are seeking, and specific budget of intended use(s) for that amount. Proponents may request a conceptual review seeking advance input from a grant evaluation team to ensure the proposal contains all necessary elements. The grant evaluation team will consist of the current SAAP Accelerator leadership team, the President of the National Aviation Research and Technology Park (NARTP), the President of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA), and the Cape May County Commissioner with oversight for economic development. The team will forward a completed proposal to the SAAP Advisory Board with a recommendation as to whether the proposal should be accepted and funded. ​ Once a grant is awarded, the recipient will file monthly reports until the conclusion of the last milestone identified on recipient’s budget documents. The monthly reports will articulate what progress was made on the recipient’s research over the past month, and how the SAAP grant contributed to that work. Recipient also will comply with any requirements established by the ACEA, which maintains and dispenses the research grant funds. ​ All proposals are welcome and will be fully considered. We especially encourage minorities, women and veterans to join our community and experience the exciting innovation environment and growth potential of the aviation industry. Proposals also are especially encouraged from past and present members of flightPlan, the Aviation Accelerator. For all applications, financial need will be taken into account. ​ Applications are considered on a quarterly basis. Typically, awards will be made twice yearly, but the Director of SAAP shall have discretion to bring appropriate applications on an expedited basis to the Grant Review Committee and Advisory Committee. Proposals for the next round of competition for the grant must be submitted to the Program Manager at carole.mattessich@nianet.org . Awards will be finalized when approved by SAAP’s Advisory Committee. SUBSCRIBE The application period for this solicitation has ended. Please join our Mailing List for future events and funding opportunities

Public Safety SAAP and our Partners are committed to advancing the use of UAS in Public Safety missions. We host multiple free annual training programs, live exercises, and events open to Police, Fire, EMS, and offices of Emergency Management across New Jersey. 1 UAS Test-Flights More Info 2 Emergency Managment Exercise More Info 3 UAS Mini-Accelerator / On-demand training More Info

Government, Private Industry, and Academia in the aviation-hub Partners Members Special Advisors Partners Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) Atlantic County, N.J. Cape May County, N.J. National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) U.S. Economic Development Administration Members American Aerospace Technologies Incorporated (AATI) Applied Research Associates (ARA) SJTA/Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) Dave Sweet (former Boeing executive) Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) TechUnited Optimal Solutions & Technology (OST) Stockton University Thunderbolt Industries LLC Woolpert Special Advisors David Sweet Jon Schleifer Eric Neiderman

Emergency Management Exercises Each year, SAAP and our Partners collaborate with Public Safety and Emergency Management professionals from across the Northeast to facilitate joint exercises simulating various scenarios e.g. natural disasters, extreme weather events, etc. ​ These events and research activities are intended to help advance the use of UAS in Public Safety. Learn More Download AATI's '21 EMX Report

About the New Jersey Aviation Business Center Located in Atlantic City, the NJ Aviation Business Center is dedicated to helping area residents identify and leverage Aviation opportunities. The USEDA funded the effort to plan this Center in order to help ensure that underserved populations have a full opportunity to fully participate in the economic benefits of the growth of aviation in the Southern New Jersey region. Let us help you take your aviation ideas to the next level. ​ Subscribe for FREE Updates Jump to Resources Resources available to you! 1 Education & Training Programs NJ has over 200 technical schools, community colleges, universities, and flight schools that offer aviation education or training programs. We've put them together in one place to make your search easy! More Info 2 Jobs & Careers Looking to put your skills to work? NJ has aviation-related jobs for pilots, mechanics, engineers, software developers, and more. More Info 3 Small Business Owners Do you have an Aviation related business, technology concept, or innovative idea? We have free resources, events, and mentorship available to help you level up. More Info Don't see what you're looking for? Please reach out - we'll be happy to help.

About the New Jersey Aviation Business Center Opportunities for Small Businesses Back to Programs Opportunities for Small Businesses On-Site Presence Interaction with peers and mentors Read More Innovation Forums meet with like-minded founders Read More Technology Demonstrations showcase your tech to stakeholders Read More flightPlan Accelerator aviation business accelerator Read More NJ SBDC Small Business Development Center Read More

The Smart Airport and Aviation Partnership (SAAP) manages flightPlan the aviation business accelerator. Founders accepted into the program work with aviation professionals, regulators, industry, and potential funders to help reach their full potential. Apply to flightPlan Download Brochure Reffer a company Need more info? funded in part through an i6 Challenge Grant from the US Economic Development Administration 8 Company Cohort We accept an average of 8 companies each year ranging from all stages of growth. 12 Week Program We offer an intensive 12-week curriculum covering general business training, FAA regulations, funding, etc. Hybrid / Virtual Cohorts meet twice weekly (remote) with opportunities to join in-person at the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park. Founder Focused We focus our training on founders to help equip them with the skills, relationships, and opportunities to level-up their businesses. 100% funded by Federal Grants No Fees and 0% Equity This program is funded through grants from the US EDA. We'll never ask you for equity - the only investment to participate is your time . Courses & Workshops addressing the challenges on starting, operations, and sustaining an agile and innovative company including leadership development for your management team. 1:1 Mentoring by aviation and business experts who help develop teaming, commercialization and growth strategies. Networking Work with Peers, learn from SME's and meet potential future partners ​Engagement with regulators & aviation leaders from the nationally renowned FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, SMEs, and key industry members Among our graduates:

Opportunities for Small Businesses On-Site Presence Interaction with peers and mentors Read More flightPlan Accelerator aviation business accelerator Read More Tech Demonstrations demonstrate your technology Read More Innovation Forums meet with like-minded founders Read More

Meet our Colleagues

SMART AIRPORT AND AVIATION PARTNERSHIP Building an aviation ecosystem in Southern New Jersey, one fabulous innovation at a time. Contact Upcoming Schedule NEW: NJ Aviation Business Center Business Acceleration Economic Development Education, Training, & Outreach NJ Aviation Business Center About The Smart Airport and Aviation Partnership (SAAP) centered in Southern New Jersey, was established through a Regional Innovation Strategies Grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA). Learn More Activities flightPlan Accelerator Work with aviation professionals, industry teammates, and funders to reach your venture's full potential. Founder Coaching & Mentorship Hone your skills & build a winning business strategy with aviation executives. Joint Emergency Management Exercises SAAP supports annual test flights to forward the use of UAS by First Responders following natural disasters. Interact with Aviation Leaders Meet with leaders from the nationally renowned FAA William J.Hughes Technical Center. Core Team & Partners FAQ FAQs How do I become a member? Please contact us at: innoforums@nianet.org How do I apply to flightPlan? Apply online at https://www.nationalinstituteofaerospace.org/nianet/ccoeiwo7kc/index.html through December 15th. What are the program’s structural aspects? Eight companies are invited into the cohort. Core program runs January - April. Virtual 90-minute Group Sessions are held weekly during the core program. Each typically includes a subject matter expert addressing the day’s topic, followed by Q and A. Each cohort company also attends a private weekly Session mentored by our Accelerator Leadership Team. Any other core activities? Along with providing Group Sessions and individual monitoring, we help each company engage in a non-trivial special project of its choice. Past examples: Live tech demo at the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park; Port security flight exercise at major NJ port. What does the successful applicant look like? We like companies that are looking to grow their markets and advance commercialization of their aviation-related technologies. In assessing candidates, we’ll consider: company mission(s); experience of founding team/advisors; scalability and sustainability; potential for early traction/revenue; and market conditions/timing. But we also seek companies in alignment with flightPlan’s missions, spirit and ethos. We want companies committed to best practices in aviation, looking to establish relationships with subject matter experts and collaborate with like-minded innovators throughout their lifespans. What differentiates flightPlan from other Accelerators? It’s devoted to aviation-related companies. We’re grateful for active participation by the FAA and nationally recognized SMEs in our Group Sessions and mentorship efforts. We’re funded by grants and don’t take equity or fees. Your “cost” is the time your team invests in participating. After graduation, you have continuing access to individual mentorship and support, as well as educational and networking events within the Southern New Jersey Aviation Hub. Do you accept companies from outside the U.S.? How about direct competitors? Several of our successful cohort companies have roots outside the U.S. However, your company must be eligible to do business within the U.S. to apply. We don’t invite direct competitors into the same cohort, though we may accept competitors across cohorts. We honor all requests to keep information confidential. Still have questions? Contact us at: Innoforums@nianet.org

Our Monthly Newsletter Dec 19, 2022 SAAP Newsletter | December 2022 Nov 30, 2022 SAAP Newsletter | November 2022 Oct 28, 2022 SAAP Newsletter | October 2022 Sep 30, 2022 SAAP Newsletter | September 2022 Apr 30, 2022 SAAP Newsletter | April 2022 News & Media Mar 1, 2023 Veteran's Film Apprenticeship Press Conference 3/1/2023 | News Coverage Mar 1, 2023 Veterans Film Apprenticeship Press Conference 3/1/2023 | Full-Coverage Feb 23, 2023 Lower Township PD Drone has Search and Rescue Mission - Cape May Herald Feb 23, 2023 Check out the Newest Cohort at flightPlan, New Jersey's Aviation Accelerator Jan 31, 2023 Three Atlantic County aviation entities get $13.3 million in earmarks Oct 25, 2022 NARTP & NJ American Water Host Emergency Management Exercise Jul 6, 2017 American Aerospace <> Verizon Flying Cell Site Exercise

NJ Aviation Roadshow Schedule Innovation Forums | November 2023 Thu, Nov 30 Thunder Room @ NARTP Nov 30, 2023, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM EST Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Nov 30, 2023, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM EST Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Innovation Forums are back! Please join us to meet innovators from across the county as we discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities felt by the industry. As always, we're here to help! Questions? Please email us at: innoforums@nianet.org Details Innovation Forums | October 2023 Thu, Oct 26 Thunder Room @ NARTP Oct 26, 2023, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Oct 26, 2023, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Innovation Forums are back! Please join us to meet innovators from across the county as we discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities felt by the industry. As always, we're here to help! Questions? Please email us at: innoforums@nianet.org Details NJ Aviation Roadshow #13 | NJ County Planners & Economic Development Orgs. Tue, Sep 12 Microsoft Teams Meeting Sep 12, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting Sep 12, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting The NJ Aviation Roadshow is a monthly virtual meeting addressing aviation assets, needs, and “wish lists” for each NJ County, to listen to what stakeholders are thinking. - What aviation-related topics do you consider important to your region? - Who do you consider to be key regional players? Details Innovation Forums | June 2023 Thu, Jun 29 Thunder Room @ NARTP Jun 29, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Jun 29, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Innovation Forums are back! Please join us to meet innovators from across the county as we discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities felt by the industry. As always, we're here to help! Questions? Please email us at: innoforums@nianet.org Details NJ Aviation Roadshow #11 | Academia Tue, Jun 13 Microsoft Teams Meeting Jun 13, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting Jun 13, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting The NJ Aviation Roadshow is a monthly virtual meeting addressing aviation assets, needs, and “wish lists” for each NJ County, to listen to what stakeholders are thinking. - What aviation-related topics do you consider important to your region? - Who do you consider to be key regional players? Details Innovation Forums | May 2023 Wed, May 17 Thunder Room @ NARTP May 17, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA May 17, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Innovation Forums are back! Please join us to meet innovators from across the county as we discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities felt by the industry. As always, we're here to help! Questions? Please email us at: innoforums@nianet.org Details NJ Aviation Roadshow #10 | Union & Hudson Counties Tue, May 09 Microsoft Teams Meeting May 09, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting May 09, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting The NJ Aviation Roadshow is a monthly virtual meeting addressing aviation assets, needs, and “wish lists” for each NJ County, to listen to what stakeholders are thinking. - What aviation-related topics do you consider important to your region? - Who do you consider to be key regional players? Details Innovation Forums | April 2023 Thu, Apr 20 Thunder Room @ NARTP Apr 20, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Apr 20, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Innovation Forums are back! Please join us to meet innovators from across the county as we discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities felt by the industry. As always, we're here to help! Questions? Please email us at: innoforums@nianet.org Details NJ Aviation Roadshow #9 | Morris, Passaic, Bergen & Essex Counties Tue, Apr 11 Microsoft Teams Meeting Apr 11, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting Apr 11, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Microsoft Teams Meeting The NJ Aviation Roadshow is a monthly virtual meeting addressing aviation assets, needs, and “wish lists” for each NJ County, to listen to what stakeholders are thinking. - What aviation-related topics do you consider important to your region? - Who do you consider to be key regional players? Details Innovation Forums | March 2023 Thu, Mar 30 Thunder Room @ NARTP Mar 30, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Mar 30, 2023, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM EDT Thunder Room @ NARTP, 600 Aviation Research Blvd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, USA Innovation Forums are back! Please join us to meet innovators from across the county as we discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities felt by the industry. As always, we're here to help! Questions? Please email us at: innoforums@nianet.org Details NJ Aviation Roadshow #8 | Passaic & Morris Counties Tue, Mar 07 Microsoft Teams Meeting Mar 07, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Microsoft Teams Meeting Mar 07, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Microsoft Teams Meeting The NJ Aviation Roadshow is a monthly virtual meeting addressing aviation assets, needs, and “wish lists” for each NJ County, to listen to what stakeholders are thinking. - What aviation-related topics do you consider important to your region? - Who do you consider to be key regional players? Details NJ Aviation Roadshow #7 | Warren & Sussex Counties Tue, Feb 07 Microsoft Teams Meeting Feb 07, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Microsoft Teams Meeting Feb 07, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Microsoft Teams Meeting The NJ Aviation Roadshow is a monthly virtual meeting addressing aviation assets, needs, and “wish lists” for each NJ County, to listen to what stakeholders are thinking. - What aviation-related topics do you consider important to your region? - Who do you consider to be key regional players? Details NJ Aviation Roadshow #6 | Somerset, Hunterdon, Mercer & Middlesex Counties Tue, Dec 06 Microsoft Teams Meeting Dec 06, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Microsoft Teams Meeting Dec 06, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Microsoft Teams Meeting The NJ Aviation Roadshow is a monthly virtual meeting addressing aviation assets, needs, and “wish lists” for each NJ County, to listen to what stakeholders are thinking. What aviation-related topics do you consider important to your region? Who do you consider to be key regional players? Details Aviation Roadshow #5 | Mercer & Middlesex Counties Mon, Nov 21 Teams Nov 21, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Teams Nov 21, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST Teams Details Aviation Roadshow #4 | Monmouth & Ocean Counties Tue, Oct 11 Online Event Oct 11, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Online Event Oct 11, 2022, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Online Event Details Aviation Roadshow #3 | Camden & Burlington Counties Tue, Sep 13 Online Event Sep 13, 2022, 11:00 AM EDT – Sep 14, 2022, 12:30 PM EDT Online Event Sep 13, 2022, 11:00 AM EDT – Sep 14, 2022, 12:30 PM EDT Online Event Details