Embarc Collective is excited to welcome Elizabeth Nelson, Director of the Florida High Tech Corridor at the University of South Florida, as our new SBIR/STTR & Federal Grant Programs Strategist.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning strategic communications, economic development, public-sector funding, and university-industry collaboration, Elizabeth has dedicated her career to helping innovative companies transform breakthrough ideas into commercial success. Through her leadership at the Florida High Tech Corridor, she connects startups with the research expertise, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships needed to accelerate innovation while strengthening Florida’s technology ecosystem.

As Florida’s designated FL FAST provider for the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, the Florida High Tech Corridor helps early-stage companies navigate one of the nation’s largest sources of non-dilutive research and development funding—distributing nearly $4 billion annually across eleven federal agencies. Elizabeth works directly with founders to evaluate funding opportunities, strengthen proposals, connect with university researchers, and build competitive strategies that increase the likelihood of securing federal support without giving up equity.
Beyond federal funding, Elizabeth serves as a bridge between entrepreneurs and the vast resources of the University of South Florida. Whether helping founders identify faculty collaborators, access research capabilities, navigate technology licensing opportunities, or leverage the Florida High Tech Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program, she is passionate about creating partnerships that help startups validate technologies, commercialize innovation, and build lasting relationships with the region’s research institutions.

Elizabeth’s coaching philosophy is rooted in making complex systems more accessible. Drawing on her background in communications and grantmaking, she helps founders translate highly technical innovations into compelling, fundable narratives while connecting them with the people and resources that can accelerate their growth. Her collaborative approach aligns perfectly with Embarc Collective’s mission of helping founders build bold, scalable companies through meaningful connections and expert guidance.

We’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to Embarc Collective’s coaching team and look forward to the impact her expertise, network, and passion for innovation will have on the founders we serve.