Ready to Submit an SBIR/STTR Proposal? Here's How to Get Started!
1️⃣ Determine Eligibility: Are You a Qualified Small Business?
Before you even begin writing your proposal, it’s crucial to ensure your business qualifies as a Small Business Concern (SBC) under SBIR/STTR guidelines. These guidelines are specific, and agencies will only consider proposals from businesses that meet certain criteria. Here are the main eligibility requirements:
U.S.-based: Your business must be based in the United States.
For-profit: SBIR/STTR funding is reserved for for-profit businesses only.
Size standards: Your business must meet the size standards set by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), typically having fewer than 500 employees.
Taking the time to confirm your eligibility early on will save you from unnecessary setbacks during the submission process.
2️⃣ Register Your Business: Make Sure You're In the System
Before submitting your proposal, you must complete several essential registrations. These are mandatory steps for all federal grants, including SBIR/STTR proposals:
SAM.gov (System for Award Management): This is required for all federal contracts and grants.
Grants.gov: The portal for submitting your proposal to the funding agency.
SBIR/STTR submission portal: Many agencies have their own specific portal for submitting SBIR/STTR proposals, so ensure you know which one applies to your solicitation.
Completing these registrations ahead of time will ensure that you don’t face any delays when you're ready to submit your proposal.
3️⃣ Understand the Solicitation: Review the Guidelines Thoroughly
Each SBIR/STTR funding opportunity has specific guidelines, requirements, and evaluation criteria. Carefully review the solicitation document from the funding agency. This document contains important information, including:
The scope of the research or project.
The technical and commercial criteria used to evaluate proposals.
Submission deadlines and specific formatting requirements.
Taking the time to thoroughly read and understand the solicitation will help you avoid missteps and ensure that your proposal aligns with the agency’s objectives and priorities.
4️⃣ Develop a Strong Proposal: Make Your Case
The heart of your SBIR/STTR application is the proposal itself. A strong proposal effectively communicates your innovative idea, its potential impact, and your business's capabilities. To ensure your proposal stands out:
Highlight the innovation: Focus on how your idea is novel, solves a pressing problem, and aligns with the funding agency’s priorities.
Present your team: Showcase the skills and expertise of your team members. Highlight their qualifications and experience in bringing innovative projects to fruition.
Include a clear budget and timeline: Outline how the funding will be used and provide a realistic timeline for meeting key project milestones.
A well-crafted proposal not only demonstrates your technical expertise but also your ability to manage the project efficiently.
5️⃣ Partner Strategically: Collaboration is Key for STTR Proposals
If you're applying for an STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) award, collaboration with a research institution or university is mandatory. A strong partnership can significantly strengthen your proposal, as these institutions bring additional resources, research capabilities, and expertise to your project. When seeking a partner, look for an institution that aligns with your project’s goals and can provide valuable support.
6️⃣ Seek Feedback: Don’t Go It Alone
It’s always beneficial to seek feedback on your proposal before submitting it. Mentors, industry experts, or even SBIR/STTR program officers can provide valuable insights to help refine your submission. They can point out areas of improvement or identify gaps you might have overlooked. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for their perspective.
7️⃣ Plan for Commercialization: Show the Path to Market
One of the key aspects of an SBIR/STTR proposal is demonstrating how your innovation will transition from research to commercialization. Funders want to see that your technology has real-world potential and that you have a clear path to market. Address the following in your proposal:
Market potential: Who will benefit from your innovation, and how large is the market opportunity?
Commercialization strategy: How do you plan to bring your technology to market and scale it for broader impact?
Business model: What’s your strategy for generating revenue from your innovation?
Being able to show that you’ve thought through the commercialization phase will make your proposal more compelling to funding agencies.
Conclusion: Setting Yourself Up for Success
By following these essential steps, you can navigate the SBIR/STTR proposal process with confidence. Understanding eligibility, registering your business, reviewing the solicitation thoroughly, developing a strong proposal, and planning for commercialization are key actions that will increase your chances of success.
SBIR/STTR funding is highly competitive, but with the right preparation and a well-crafted proposal, you can significantly boost your likelihood of securing an award.
If you have questions or need guidance throughout the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you refine your proposal, clarify requirements, and ensure that your submission stands out. Let’s work together to make your innovation a reality!