Introduction
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are a milestone for fostering innovation and technological advancement in the United States. Created by the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, and further expanded by the creation of the STTR program in 1992, these initiatives have been instrumental in leveraging the innovative capacities of small businesses to meet specific research and development needs of the U.S. government.
These programs offer over $4 billion in non-dilutive funding annually to small businesses and startups to develop and commercialize new technologies.
The three main requirements for SBIR/STTR eligibility is that your company:
- Is a for-profit entity located in the U.S.
- Has fewer than 500 employees (most applicants have fewer than 10)
- Over half of equity is owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Challenge of SBIR/STTR Funding
Despite their potential, getting started with SBIR/STTR funding is incredibly overwhelming. A complex mix of guidelines, requirements, and deadlines make it almost impossible to understand what’s required from first-time applicants. To make it even harder — there are almost zero successful proposal examples.
Competition is also fierce; thousands of applicants are submitted annually. Success rates vary by agency and phase, but on average, only about 16% of SBIR Phase I applications are awarded. This low success rate underscores the difficulty of crafting a compelling proposal that meets the stringent requirements of these programs.
The Initial Hurdle
For many small businesses and startups, the initial hurdle is simply getting started. After figuring out how to register on sam.gov (which itself is a separate post) the task of identifying the right opportunity within the vast abyss of solicitations from different federal agencies is no small feat. Each agency has its own focus, requirements, and application process, making it difficult to even know where to begin. Furthermore, the complexity of writing a proposal that not only meets the technical requirements but also stands out from the competition requires expertise that many small businesses do not have in-house.
Enter GrantScout
Recognizing these challenges, we’ve developed a single solution to simplify the SBIR/STTR application process. Our platform addresses the three major pain points of the funding journey: search, writing, and submission.
We believe that the complexity of the application process should not be a barrier to innovation. Our platform leverages technology and expertise to break down these barriers, making SBIR/STTR funding more accessible to all innovators. We strongly believe in helping save your valuable time and resources so that you can focus on your core mission: innovation.
The Path Forward
The road to SBIR/STTR funding is challenging, but it’s not one you have to walk alone. With GrantScout, you have a partner dedicated to supporting your journey from concept to commercialization.