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Director’s Message The “perfect storm” isn’t a concept favored by aviation or maritime professionals, two professions we hold close in South Jersey. Yet as metaphor useful content, it serves well for what’s happening here today. ​ Over the past five years, as Cape May County was building a nationally recognized UAS Program, its neighbor to the north, Atlantic County, was rediscovering and establishing fabulous general aviation resources. Not the least of these: the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY). Atlantic County also began developing an MRO facility, and both Atlantic and Cape May Counties broke ground on major workplaces for technology companies. ​ Full message below... ​ In our aviation-related events, we’re privileged to have the participation of important entities like our neighbor the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, the United States Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, and many more. We have strong support from state and federal Economic Development Authorities and legislative and congressional delegations. ​ Perhaps most important, we are being discovered by innovators. It’s a thrill to serve at a time like this, with the stars aligning. ​ We’ll be exploring things like enhanced data analysis, intelligent design, and strategically balanced airport infrastructure, even as we partner with companies from around the country who use South Jersey airspace for R&D. It’s all about innovation, connectivity, collaboration and the latest in the aviation industry. ​ The perfect storm …. an alignment of stars …. Watch for us. Even better, join us! ​ Carole Mattessich, Director Smart Airport and Aviation Partnership

Contact Us Reach out and say hello, we'll be happy to connect! First Name Last Name Email Phone Role / Title Subject What can we help with? Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter flightPlan Accelerator Small Research Grants UAS for Public Safety NJ Aviation Roadshow Innovation Forums Not sure / something else Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting! We'll be in touch soon.

About Our Mission The purpose of the partnership is to transform Southern New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem by incubating, accelerating, and attracting new businesses into a high-tech cluster. Companies in the cluster will leverage “smart” infrastructure and Internet-of-Things technologies for airport and aviation applications in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airports in both Atlantic County and Cape May County. Core Values Public <> Private Partnership Objectivity & Transparency Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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