
EDGE: Empowering the Defense Industrial Base for Success
Filling the Gaps to Give the Community the Edge to Be Successful
The EDGE service line by Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) is designed to address critical gaps in the defense industrial base by guiding STEM-based entrepreneurs and businesses from early idea development through business scaling and succession planning. EDGE provides the resources, connections, and expertise needed to ensure long-term success, strengthen the regional defense ecosystem, and build a resilient industrial base.
Learn more about the key components of EDGE down below!
1) Filling the Gaps in Business Concept Development
WBI recognizes that many entrepreneurs struggle to transition their innovative ideas into viable businesses. EDGE bridges this gap by:
• Invention Disclosure Support: Helping entrepreneurs protect their intellectual property and understand its market potential.
• Market Analysis: Providing actionable insights into market trends, opportunities, and challenges.
• Business Plan Development: Crafting tailored strategies to transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
By addressing these foundational gaps, EDGE ensures entrepreneurs have the tools and knowledge to succeed from the start.
2) Guiding Companies Through Resource Navigation
Accessing small business resources can be overwhelming, especially for new entrepreneurs.
EDGE simplifies this process by:
• Connecting businesses with organizations like the SBA, Entrepreneur Center, VBOCs, and Small Business Development Centers.
• Offering expert guidance on when, where, and how to leverage these resources effectively.
EDGE ensures businesses can navigate the complex landscape of available resources, filling the gap between opportunity and execution.
3) Scaling and Collaboration for Growth
As businesses grow, they often face challenges in scaling and connecting with the right partners.
EDGE addresses these challenges by:
• Tailored Collider Events: Facilitating networking opportunities to connect businesses with potential collaborators and customers.
• Government Contracting Insight: Providing guidance on how to partner with and work for the government, particularly in the defense sector.
• Industry Outreach: Helping businesses understand specific problem sets where government needs align with industry capabilities.
EDGE fills the gap between business formation and scaling, ensuring companies can grow effectively and contribute to the defense industrial base.
4) Succession Planning and Long-Term Viability
Feel free to write us with any questions you may have about our service offerings! We will get in touch with you as soon as we can!
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As businesses mature, succession planning becomes critical to ensuring their long-term success. EDGE addresses this often-overlooked gap by:
• Pairing emerging entrepreneurs with experienced business owners for mentorship and knowledge transfer.
• Supporting transition planning to ensure smooth leadership changes and sustainable growth.
By focusing on succession planning and viability, EDGE ensures businesses remain viable and resilient, strengthening the defense industrial base for generations to come.
Value Proposition:
EDGE provides a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for addressing critical gaps in the defense industrial base. By leveraging WBI’s unique network and expertise, EDGE empowers businesses to:
• Transform innovative ideas into actionable solutions.
• Access critical resources and partnerships.
• Scale effectively and contribute to the defense sector.
• Ensure long-term success through mentorship and strategic succession planning.
Why Choose EDGE?
Expert Guidance: Benefit from WBI’s deep understanding of the defense sector and small business resources.
Gap-Focused Support: Receive tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of your business at every stage.
Collaborative Opportunities: Connect with like-minded companies and government stakeholders.
Sustainable Growth: Build a foundation for long-term success and resilience.
Learn More about Wright Brothers Institute
Our Team
At WBI, our world-class innovation processes begin with our incredible staff! Check out our team here.
What We Do
Learn more about the intricacies of “what WBI does” here.
Success Stories
Want to see some examples of our past work? Read our blog here!