Did you know? Some free programs are available to help with proposal writing, especially for early investigators and underrepresented minority inventors. Some startups opt to hire help with writing proposals.
Applicant Assistance Program: The AAP helps small businesses write and submit Phase I grant proposals providing coaching and guidance on application needs assessment, preparation, and review. Aims to help under-represented groups, which are women, minorities, and certain states (IdeA states), achieve SBIR/STTR funding. You must be a business with no previous funding. Available at certain NIH institutes. The application deadline for AAP is several months ahead of the proposal deadline. It is a short, simple application.
A Small Business Transition Grant (RFA-CA-21-001) is for early young investigators looking to transition out of academia into industry. The scientist transitions after Phase I into a small business concern. The purpose is to address the challenge of creating the right team having the expertise to develop the early-stage technology, providing the funding for it, and providing entrepreneurial and technical mentoring and product development support. Participation in an immersive learning program to support transfer from the lab to market, I-Corps, may be required.
Research and Entrepreneurial Development Immersion (REDI) program. National Institute for Aging (NIA) program providing training in bio entrepreneurship to boost university startups and provide more early career opportunities for scientists in disease related to aging.
Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program – Organizations receiving FAST awards may be another source of support and advice for early entrepreneurs. Some may offer guidance with proposals. Recipient organizations have one year of funding from the NIH to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards. Check the program information to find out if there is a FAST recipient in your area.
SBIR.gov Find Local Assistance – Search this database to find assistance with the SBIR/STTR process in your area as well as other resources which may include training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and alternative funding sources.
