The agency collaborates with international partners, academia, industry, and other government organizations to advance space science and technology while also promoting innovation, education, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. NASA offers a multitude of funding opportunities for technologies that may fall within their focus areas. These funding opportunities come in the form of SBIR/STTR grants or contracts, challenges, and more. We will be exploring many of the opportunities below. 

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The Timeline of an SBIR/STTR Application from Start to Funding! 

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Accelerating Space Technologies: Harnessing the Power of NASA's SBIR, STTR, and Challenge Programs 

<article>



The primary goal of the ED/IES, Department of Education/Institute of Education Sciences, SBIR Program is to bridge the gap between research and practice by fostering the development of effective and evidence-based educational products, interventions, and services. The program encourages the creation of innovative solutions that address pressing educational needs. The solicitation opens once per year and is known to be one of the most competitive when compared to all 11 SBIR agencies. 


<ul>
<li><a href="#doe">What is the Department of Education </a></li>
<li ><a href="#sbir">What is the ED/IES SBIR Program </a></li>
<li><a href="#phases">Exploring the Phases of the ED/IES SBIR Program</a></li>
<li><a href="#success">Success Stories</a></li>

</ul> 

<h2>What is the Department of Education </h2>

 
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The Department of Education’s, also often referred to as ED, primary objective is to enhance student achievement and readiness for global competitiveness by promoting educational excellence and ensuring equitable access. It was established in 1980 through the consolidation of offices from various federal agencies. With a workforce of 4,400 employees and a budget of $68 billion, ED is committed to fulfilling its mission by: 
</div>

<ul>
<li>Creating policies regarding federal financial aid for education and overseeing the distribution and monitoring of those funds. 
</li>
<li>Collecting comprehensive data on schools across the United States and disseminating relevant research findings. 
</li>
<li>Directing national attention towards significant educational issues. 
</li>
<li>Enforcing anti-discrimination measures and guaranteeing equal educational opportunities for all individuals. 
</li>
</ul>


The Department of Education is broken down into multiple offices, each with their own essential focuses. These offices include the Office of Civil Rights, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, and the Institute of Education Sciences. One of the many areas covered within the Institute of Education Sciences is the SBIR Program. 

<h2>What is the ED/IES SBIR Program </h2>

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The SBIR program, which stands for Small Business Innovation Research, is a highly competitive federal funding initiative designed to support small businesses in their research and development efforts. The program provides grants and contracts to help these businesses pursue innovative projects that have the potential for commercialization and societal impact. The SBIR program is unique in that it requires small businesses to integrate research and development into their operations while fostering collaboration between the private sector and government agencies. By providing funds, resources, and technical assistance, the SBIR program aims to stimulate technological innovation, encourage economic growth, and address critical societal challenges across various industries. 
</div>
If you are unfamiliar with what an SBIR or STTR is, you can learn more about the basics on <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/">TurboSBIR:</a> 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/">What is an SBIR </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/">The Difference Between Grants and Contracts</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/">SBIR/STTR Application Requirements </a></li></ul>

The ED/IES SBIR Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES), is an exciting initiative that aims to drive innovation in the field of education. The ED/IES SBIR Program opens solicitation once per year, at the beginning of the new year. 

The primary goal of the ED/IES SBIR Program is to bridge the gap between research and practice by fostering the development of effective and evidence-based educational products, interventions, and services. The program encourages the creation of innovative solutions that address pressing educational needs. 

All the projects selected for funding through the program undergo a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring that only the most promising and viable proposals are supported. This approach ensures that the resulting products and interventions are backed by strong evidence and can make a real, positive impact in educational settings. 

As a result, the ED/IES is known to have the most competitive SBIR program. In 2019, the success rates are ~8% for Phase I and ~53% for Phase II SBIRs2. However, do not let this deter you, especially when considering that VC funding is even more challenging. The ED Phase I award amounts are also among the highest at $250,000 when, on average, agencies award between $100,000 to $150,000. 

More importantly, there are support resources available to help submit your ED/IES SBIR application. TurboSBIR offers a variety of features and services for preparing all SBIR applications. TurboSBIR offers custom workflows designed to follow the process of each individual agency’s application. Each workflow comes with custom samples and templates that can be used to complete the application, either by yourself or with expert assistance from our team. Consultations, proposal writing, and administrative support services are also included in our award-winning software platform. 

Through the ED/IES SBIR Program, small businesses awarded receive financial support and technical assistance and guidance. This comprehensive support system helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of education research and development, facilitating the successful implementation and scaling of their innovative solutions. 

The ED/IES SBIR Program focuses on a wide range of educational areas, including early learning, K-12 education, postsecondary education, adult learning, and special education. This diversity of focus areas reflects the program's commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of learners across different age groups and educational contexts. 

As of this year, the ED/IES SBIR Program has grown to include more than just one topic on their solicitations. As of 2023, the agency has taken to open the solicitation to attract more diverse technologies and has broken down their solicitation into two categories: brand new technologies and improvements to pre-existing technologies. While all agencies tend to support both categories of innovations, the ED/IES is the first SBIR agency to have split the applications into separate buckets in this manner to minimize reviewer bias – we, at TurboSBIR, firmly support this innovation in process and thinking! 

In recent years, education technologies have been harder to come by. In the last few years alone, many EdTech companies have failed. This has been the result of the rapid decline of EdTech funding among the VC marketplace. In the first half of 2023, there had been a 58% decline when compared to the funding being offered just a year prior<a href="https://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/global-ed-tech-venture-capital-investment-decline-2023-mega-rounds-fizzle/">[4]</a>. As a result, the demand for EdTech has been increasing within the innovation landscape especially when it comes to the ED. Now is the most opportune time to begin the process of getting your technology onto the market by applying for available grant funding actively looking for education technologies. 

<h2>Exploring the Phases of the ED/IES SBIR Program </h2>


 

Phase I 

The ED/IES SBIR Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Phase IA and IB solicitations opened on December 4, 2023. The submission date and time is January 18, 2024, at 11:00AM EST<a href="https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/solicitations.asp">[1]</a>. 
Phase I of the SBIR program provides awards for periods of up to 8 months, with funding of up to $250,000. A successful Phase I SBIR project requires the team to achieve two main objectives within this 8-month timeframe. Firstly, they should develop a functioning prototype of an educational technology product. Secondly, they should conduct research to assess the usability and initial feasibility of the prototype. 

Phase II 

The ED/IES SBIR Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Direct to Phase II solicitation opened on January 5 2024. The submission date and time is March 5, 2024, at 11:00AM EST<a href="https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/solicitations.asp">[1]</a>. 
Phase II of the SBIR program extends the research and development (R&D) effort initiated in Phase I. It offers awards for periods of up to 2 years, with funding of up to $1,000,000. A successful Phase II SBIR project would entail achieving several goals within the 2-year period. Firstly, the team should fully develop a commercially viable education technology product. Secondly, they should demonstrate the usability, feasibility, and effectiveness of implementing the product in an educational setting. Additionally, they should assess the potential of the product to achieve the intended outcomes in an educational context. Lastly, the team should develop a comprehensive commercialization plan for the sale and distribution of the product. The SBIR program aims to boost private sector commercialization of innovations resulting from its funding. In the subsequent Phase III, the small business is expected to pursue commercialization of the education technology product using non-SBIR funds. 


Phase III 

The SBIR program aims to promote the private sector commercialization of innovations resulting from Federal R&D. In Phase III, small businesses are expected to pursue commercialization using funds that are not from the SBIR program. The program does not provide funding during Phase III for this purpose. 
 

<h2>Success Stories </h2>

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In 2023, ED/IES awarded a total of 24 Phase I contracts. Some of these awards include: 
 
<a href="https://www.vizmoo.com/">Vizmoo</a>, LLC was awarded $250,000 for their Mirror Me: Gamified Movement Therapy in VR for Social-Emotional Learning technology. According to their website, this technology is, “...a platform for virtual reality-assisted adjunctive therapy interventions for neurodiverse clients.” Their award goes to address neurodiverse children/students. Specifically, those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The purpose of the technology outlines that among children, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the prevailing neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by challenges in communication and social interaction. To aid students with ASD in actively participating in academic and social learning at school, there is a demand for new interventions that enhance their abilities to initiate and respond to social interactions. Addressing this need, the project team endeavors to create a prototype of a game-based Virtual Reality (VR) music and movement experience. This innovative solution aims to promote social and emotional mirroring skills specifically tailored for students with ASD<a href="https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/2023awards.asp">[3]</a>. 

<a href="https://chibitronics.com/">Chibitronics</a>, Inc. was awarded $250,000 for their technology Blending Paper Crafts, Circuits, and Coding with the Paper:bit. According to their website, “Chibitronics blends circuits and code with arts and crafts. We make circuit stickers and other tools for educators, artists and crafters so everyone can create their own expressive electronics.” As outlined on their proposal, Chibitronics states that although there is a growing movement towards inclusive computer science education for a diverse range of learners, including girls and underrepresented students, a participation gap persists within these populations. Building upon a previous SBIR award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the company has developed a physical toolkit that utilizes paper craft materials and circuitry to engage elementary school students in learning about electronics and coding. The focus of this project is to enhance the toolkit by introducing new components, thereby making it more accessible as a classroom intervention that can engage a wider array of students, including girls and underrepresented individuals<a href="https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/2023awards.asp">[3]</a>. 

TurboSBIR has also assisted in successful ED/IES applications and awards. One of which, <a href="https://sciquiry.com/">SciQuiry</a>, an eLearning platform driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and centered around questioning techniques. Its aim is to enhance STEM education by leveraging research in engineering and cognitive science to optimize the learning experience and personalize instruction, ultimately maximizing what students can learn. After trying the services and support of TurboSBIR, Rashin Taheri commented on his experience, 
<blockquote>“I used TurboSBIR for the first time and I was very impressed with their platform. Writing a grant proposal is not easy but the TurboSBIR platform makes it clear, organized, and easy to understand.” </blockquote>
As a result, the company was awarded $250,000 from ED/IES in 2023 to support their technology development. 
The ED/IES SBIR Program is an invaluable platform that encourages and supports small businesses in developing evidence-based and innovative solutions to address educational challenges. By bridging the gap between research and practice, this program plays a crucial role in driving positive change and improving educational outcomes for learners of all ages. This year the deadline is fast approaching, falling on January 18, 2024. Despite this, it is not too late to still apply. TurboSBIR can offer support ranging from our expertly curated and detailed grant application pathways that break down the difficult process all the way to comprehensive grant writing support. You can learn more about these options here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/">www.turbosbir.com</a> 
Sources

<ol>
<li><a href="https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/solicitations.asp >https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/solicitations.asp </a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sbir.gov/awards/annual-reports?program=SBIR&abbr%5B%5D=ED&view">https://www.sbir.gov/awards/annual-reports?program=SBIR&abbr%5B%5D=ED&view </a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/2023awards.asp ">https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/2023awards.asp </a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/global-ed-tech-venture-capital-investment-decline-2023-mega-rounds-fizzle/ ">https://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/global-ed-tech-venture-capital-investment-decline-2023-mega-rounds-fizzle/ </a>
</li>



</ol>



</article>

The primary goal of the ED/IES SBIR Program is to bridge the gap between research and practice by fostering the development of effective and evidence-based educational products, interventions, and services. The program encourages the creation of innovative solutions that address pressing educational needs. The solicitation opens once per year and is known to be one of the most competitive when compared to all 11 SBIR agencies. 

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Innovating Education: Discover the Potential of the ED/IES SBIR Program 

Entrepreneurship and economic development go hand in hand, with innovation acting as a catalyst for growth. Businesses that prioritize innovation not only create job opportunities but also enhance productivity, foster healthy competition, and generate wealth. These entrepreneurial ventures play a vital role in advancing industries and economies. To facilitate innovation-driven entrepreneurship, governments, policymakers, and institutions play a crucial role by fostering an environment that supports sustained economic development. 

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How Does Entrepreneurship Relate to Economic Development 

<article>



Understanding the SBIR/STTR Budget Proposal: What can be included and tips to make a strong proposal 

<ul>
<li><a href="#whatIsBudget">What is the Budget Section of an SBIR/STTR Proposal?</a></li>
<li ><a href="#whatCanBeIncluded">What Can Be Included in Your Budget?</a></li>
<li><a href="#tips">Tips on Preparing Your Budget Proposal</a></li>

</ul> 

<h2>What is the Budget Section of an SBIR/STTR Proposal? </h2>

 
The budget section on an SBIR/STTR proposal represents the financial plan for the proposed project<a href='https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/sbir-budget-guidance-update'>[1]</a>. It outlines the estimated costs for various aspects of the research and development activities, including personnel salaries, materials and supplies, equipment (agency specific), subcontracting costs, and indirect costs<a href='https://wisconsinctc.org/2018/02/19/budgeting-time-and-salaries-in-your-sbir-grant/'>[2]</a>. The budget section should provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses and justify their necessity for the successful completion of the project<a href='https://wisconsinctc.org/2018/02/19/budgeting-time-and-salaries-in-your-sbir-grant/'>[2]</a>. It is important to adhere to the specific budget guidelines outlined by the funding agency and ensure that the requested funds are appropriate and reasonable for the proposed work<a href='https://wisconsinctc.org/2018/02/19/budgeting-time-and-salaries-in-your-sbir-grant/'>[2]</a><a href='https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/format-and-write/develop-your-budget.htm'>[3]</a>. 


<h2>What Can be Included in Your Budget? </h2>

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Before beginning your budget proposal, it is imperative that you research the maximum allotment for the agency you are applying for. Each agency varies and some have exceptions to the award cap such as the NIH (National Institutes of Health) where you can request more than the maximum amount with appropriate justification. As a general rule of thumb budgets should fall at or below the maximum award amount. 

<h2>Direct Labor Costs </h2>

Direct labor costs in an SBIR budget proposal refer to the expenses associated with the personnel directly involved in the research and development activities of the project<a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-1'>[4]</a>. This includes the salaries, wages, and fringe benefits of the individuals working on the project. 
To determine the direct labor costs, you should clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of each team member and estimate the number of hours they will dedicate to the project. Multiply the hours by their respective salaries or hourly rates to calculate the labor cost for each individual. Additionally, consider any applicable fringe benefits or overhead costs associated with direct labor. 
One helpful resource for calculating and justifying the projected salary of a role is the <a href='https://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm'>Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. Here you can search by occupation and area to determine the average salary offered. 
<ul>
<li>Senior/Key Personnel Salaries </li></ul>
Senior/key personnel are employees with the necessary experience and CVs in the required agency format. Examples of senior personnel include department directors, CEO, COOs, PIs/PDs, etc. 
Note: For SBIR - the primary employment of the PD/PI must be with the small business at the time of award and during the conduct of the proposed project.

For STTR – the PD/PI may be employed with a small business or the "partnering" non-profit research institution/university, as long as they have a formal appointment of some sort with the business. This may vary from agency to agency, so it is imperative to review the agency guidelines. 
You can learn more about PDs/PIs here: <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/understanding-the-role-of-a-principal-investigator-why-they-are-important-and-who-they-are/'>Understanding the Role of a Principal Investigator</a> 
<ul>
<li>Other Personnel Salaries </li></ul>
In the direct labor portion of the budget proposal, you should also include all part-time and full-time W-2 employees, potential future employees, and projected/required benefits or additional costs regarding their employment salaries. 



<h2>Equipment </h2>

In an SBIR budget proposal, equipment costs refer to the expenses associated with acquiring or renting specialized equipment necessary for the research and development activities<a href='https://science.osti.gov/SBIRLearning/FAQs/Tutorial-24'>[5]</a>. It is important to provide a clear explanation and justification for any equipment costs included in the budget proposal. 
When including equipment costs in your budget, make sure to provide detailed information about the equipment, such as its purpose, functionality, and how it directly supports the project objectives. Justify why the equipment is necessary for the successful completion of the proposed research and development activities<a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-4'>[6]</a>. 

It is worth noting that not all equipment costs may be eligible or considered acceptable in an SBIR budget proposal. Common or routine equipment that is already generally available or should be obtained through normal business operations might not be approved as a direct cost<a href='https://science.osti.gov/SBIRLearning/FAQs/Tutorial-24'>[5]</a>. It is encouraged and recommended to leverage communal shared lab facilities or rental use equipment available at places like incubators, machine shops, etc. 

To ensure compliance and to understand the specific guidelines and requirements regarding equipment costs for an SBIR budget proposal, it is important to refer to the funding agency's instructions and requirements<a href='https://science.osti.gov/SBIRLearning/FAQs/Tutorial-24'>[5]</a>. 


<h2>Other Direct Costs </h2> 
<ul><li>Travel</li></ul>
This can include transportation, lodging, meals, and incidentals incurred by project personnel traveling to conferences, meetings, or other project-related activities. Generally, no marketing/BD/international travel is allowed. The situation for which it would be allowed depends on the agency and if the POC approves the trip. Proper justification would be required in this instance. 
<ul><li>Consultants </li></ul>
A consultant is typically an individual that would need to provide a quote/letter of support and their CV. The quote offered is what will be used as part of the justification for the budget. 

<ul><li>Subcontractors</li></ul>
A subaward/subcontractor is an entity (service provider, university, consulting firm etc.) who will intellectually contribute to your project by partaking in the R&D or by directly performing any of the scope of work proposed. Enter the total subaward amount below. However, you will be required to use a separate budget sheet for every subaward/subcontract to provide a detailed breakdown of this entity's costs. You will also need a letter of commitment (teaming agreement), administrative documents from your proposed subcontractor. Universities acting as sub-awardees often have boilerplate documents for such engagements. 
Remember - subaward budgets will be included in the 33.3% outsourcing cap of SBIRs. STTRs require a minimum of 30% to be subcontracted by a university and a minimum of 40% to be budgeted for the applicant company. The remaining 30% can be allocated to either entity or other entities or consultants 

<ul><li>Materials </li></ul>
This would include the cost of necessary materials such as, but not limited to, office supplies, technical literature, computer hardware, lab supplies, and biological materials. An important thing to note is that all materials need to be individually itemized. Alongside this, there is the requirement to have sufficient justification such as quotes. Note: anything over $5k is to be classified under equipment. 

<h2>Indirect Costs </h2> 
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Indirect costs on an SBIR budget proposal refer to the expenses that are not directly attributable to a specific project but are necessary for conducting business operations<a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-1'>[4]</a>. These costs are typically incurred for activities or services that benefit the overall organization or multiple projects. Examples of indirect costs include rent, utilities, general administration, and accounting<a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-1'>[4]</a><a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-3'>[7]</a>. 
In an SBIR budget proposal, indirect costs are usually accounted for using an indirect cost rate. This rate is determined by dividing the total allowable indirect costs by an appropriate base, such as total direct labor costs or total direct costs. The resulting rate is then applied to the applicable base to calculate the indirect costs for the project<a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-3'>[7]</a>. 

It is important to note that the indirect cost rate used in an SBIR budget proposal must be based on a negotiated rate agreement with the relevant federal agency, or an appropriate simplified method may be utilized if a negotiated rate agreement is not in place<a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-4'>[6]</a>. It is crucial to carefully follow the guidelines provided by the funding agency regarding the calculation and documentation of indirect costs<a href='https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/accounting-finance/tutorial-3'>[7]</a>. 

Please keep in mind that specific policies and guidelines regarding indirect costs may vary among different funding agencies. To ensure accuracy and compliance, it is essential to refer to the specific instructions and requirements provided by the funding agency for the SBIR program. 

Note: If your organization has no negotiated rate with a federal agency, and no previous experience with Federal indirect cost rate negotiation, you may request up to 40% of the total direct costs, with appropriate justification. If you have already budgeted benefits as a direct cost, then you can request ~20% of the total direct costs. Software companies should keep indirect costs as low as possible, and can be as low as 10%, also known as a de minimis rate, which usually does not require much justification. 

</div> 


<h2>Tips on Preparing Your Budget Proposal </h2> 

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Creating a proper budget proposal is crucial when applying for an SBIR grant. Here are some key steps to help you develop an effective budget: 

<ol>
<li>Understand the Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the specific budget guidelines provided by the funding agency. Ensure that you adhere to these guidelines while preparing your budget. </li> 
<li>Justify the Budget: Provide a clear and concise justification for each proposed expense, emphasizing its necessity for the successful completion of the project. Be transparent about how the allocated funds will be utilized and how they align with the proposed objectives. </li> 

<li>Review and Revise: Once you have drafted the budget proposal, review it carefully for accuracy and coherence. Ensure that all calculations are correct, and that the budget aligns with the project's scope and objectives. Even after the budget has been submitted it is important to keep in mind that you still can revise and update your budget as needed if the overall proposal receives great scores and is set up for funding. With all this in mind, there is no need to get extremely caught up in the details because you will be able to edit the budget later. The primary focus would be to ensure that all key pieces are included and that compliance requirements are met. Many of the proposals are rejected due to compliance violations. TurboSBIR ensures compliance throughout the entire process. </li> 

<li>Seek Input and Support: Consider seeking input from financial experts or colleagues experienced in grant applications. Having additional eyes to review your budget proposal can provide valuable feedback and catch any items that may have been left out. </li>
</ol>
Remember that a well-prepared budget proposal demonstrates your understanding of the project's financial requirements and enhances the credibility of your grant application. 
Completing a quality and detailed budget section of your proposal can be a daunting task. The recommended next step is to refer to quality and reliable resources to deepen your understanding of this process. <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/'>TurboSBIR</a> is a great resource that can help by providing expert grant writing support, successful grant samples, agency specific templates, and a step-by-step workflow, to guide your application. <a href='https://calendly.com/turbosbir/exploratory-call?month=2023-11'> Schedule a call to learn more</a>. 
 
</div>
Sources: 

<ol>
<li><a href='https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/sbir-budget-guidance-update '>https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/sbir-budget-guidance-update</a> </li>
<li><a href='https://wisconsinctc.org/2018/02/19/budgeting-time-and-salaries-in-your-sbir-grant/ '>https://wisconsinctc.org/2018/02/19/budgeting-time-and-salaries-in-your-sbir-grant/ </a></li>
<li><a href='https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/format-and-write/develop-your-budget.htm '>https://grants.nih.gov/grants/how-to-apply-application-guide/format-and-write/develop-your-budget.htm </a></li>
<li><a href='SBIR Tutorial 1: Frequently asked questions regarding budgeting Basics - SBIR '>SBIR Tutorial 1: Frequently asked questions regarding budgeting Basics - SBIR </a></li>
<li><a href='SBIR Tutorial 24: Facilities and Equipment | Phase 0 Learning Management System '>SBIR Tutorial 24: Facilities and Equipment | Phase 0 Learning Management System </a></li>
<li><a href='Tutorial 4: What are eligible and ineligible expenses? - SBIR '>Tutorial 4: What are eligible and ineligible expenses? - SBIR </a></li>
<li><a href='Tutorial 3: What are indirect rates and how do I develop them? - SBIR '>Tutorial 3: What are indirect rates and how do I develop them? - SBIR </a></li>

</ol>






</article>

The budget section on an SBIR/STTR proposal represents the financial plan for the proposed project. It outlines the estimated costs for various aspects of the research and development activities, including personnel salaries, materials and supplies, equipment, subcontracting costs, and indirect costs. The budget section should provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses and justify their necessity for the successful completion of the project. It is important to adhere to the specific budget guidelines outlined by the funding agency and ensure that the requested funds are appropriate and reasonable for the proposed work. 

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Understanding the SBIR/STTR Budget Proposal: What can be included and tips to make a strong proposal 

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In today's rapidly changing world, finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges is more crucial than ever. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recognizes the importance of nurturing groundbreaking ideas and technologies to address these issues. That is why they have established the NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. In this blog, we will dive into the details of the NOAA SBIR program and explore how it fosters innovation in the field of environmental science.

<ul>
<li><a href="#whatIsNoaa">What is NOAA?</a></li>
<li ><a href="#whatIsNoaaProgram">What is the NOAA SBIR Program?</a></li>
<li><a href="#explore">Exploring the Phases of the NOAA SBIR Program</a></li>
<li><a href="#benefits">Benefits of the NOAA SBIR Program </a></li>
<li><a href="#stories">Success Stories</a></li>
</ul> 

<h2>What is NOAA?</h2>

 
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency in the United States that is responsible for monitoring and forecasting changes in the environment, including the oceans, atmosphere, and climate. NOAA is also responsible for conducting research, managing ocean and coastal resources, and supporting marine commerce. Additionally, the agency provides critical weather information, forecasts, and warnings to the public and supports search and rescue missions during severe weather events. The NOAA operates under the U.S Department of Commerce and has various offices and centers across the country.

NOAA divides their mission into multiple categories: 
<ul>
<li>Weather </li>
<li>Climate</li>
<li>Oceans & Coasts </li>
<li>Fisheries </li>
<li>Satellites </li>
<li>Research </li>
<li>Marine & Aviation </li>
<li>Charting </li>
<li>Education </li>
<li>Sanctuaries </li>
</ul>

Furthermore, there are also numerous offices within NOAA with individual focuses and research: 
<ul>
<li>Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) </li>
<li>National Environmental Satellite Data & Information Services (NESDIS) 
</li>
<li>Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO) 
 </li>
<li>National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) 
</li>
<li>National Weather Service (NWS) 
</li>
<li>National Ocean Service (NOS) </li>
</ul>NOAA uses these missions and their offices to guide their research and efforts to make immense positive impacts on our world. 
 


<h3>What is the NOAA SBIR Program? </h3>

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The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a competitive grant program that encourages U.S. small businesses to participate in federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) activities to develop innovative and commercially viable products or services. The program emphasizes high-tech innovation, stimulating entrepreneurial spirit within the United States while addressing specific research and development needs. 
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If you are unfamiliar with what an SBIR or STTR is, you can learn more about the basics on <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/'>TurboSBIR</a>: 
<ul>
<li><a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/'>What is an SBIR</a> </li>
<li><a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sttr-grant/'>What is an STTR </a>
</li>
<li><a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/'>The Difference Between Grants and Contracts </a>
</li>
<li><a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/'>SBIR/STTR Application Requirements</a> </li>
</li>
</ul>The NOAA SBIR program is designed to support small businesses in developing and commercializing new technologies that address NOAA's mission-critical needs. It provides funding opportunities for research and development projects that align with NOAA's goals of understanding the Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and climate. By partnering with entrepreneurs, the program aims to stimulate economic growth while advancing environmental science and technology. 

Each year there may be small differences with NOAA’s SBIR Phase I topic areas. For the Fiscal Year of 2024 the topic areas are as follows: 
<ul>
<li>Extreme Events & Cascading Hazards </li>
<li>Coastal Resilience</li>
<li>The Changing Ocean </li>
<li>Water Availability, Quality, & Risk </li>
<li>Effects of Space Weather </li>
<li>Monitoring & Modeling for Climate Change Mitigation </li>
</ul>NOAA uses these missions and their offices to guide their research and efforts to make immense positive impacts on our world. 
<ul>
<li>Unscrewed Systems (UxS) </li>
<li>Artificial Intelligence </li>
<li>Data & Cloud Computing </li>
<li>‘Omics </li>
<li>Citizen Science </li>
</ul>

For the most recent application cycle (FY24) the deadlines include 
<ul>
<li>Optional Letter of Intent: Due November 22, 2023 at 11:59 pm ET to be submitted via <a href='https://app.smartsheetgov.com/b/form/fd9aaa2f388e48f99023ec7584314e9a'>form provided by NOAA</a>. </li>
<li>Full Application: Due December 20, 2023 at 11:59 pm ET to be submitted via Grants.gov </li></ul>

A helpful resource to learn more about the detailed challenge proposed for each topic area is NOAA’s webinar which was held on October 18, 2023. You can watch the full webinar here: <a href='https://vimeo.com/868294242'>NOAA FY24 SBIR Phase I Notice of Funding Opportunity informational webinar </a> 


<h3>Exploring the Phases of the NOAA SBIR Program </h3>

The NOAA SBIR Program is structured into three phases to support the development and commercialization of promising technologies. 
Phase I: The first phase provides up to $175,000 in funding for a duration of six months to conduct proof-of-concept studies and evaluate the technical feasibility and commercial potential of a technology. 
Phase II: The second phase aims to expand on the results of Phase I through continued research and development, towards commercialization. Phase II offers up to $650,000 in funding over a period of 24 months. Only the Phase I awardees are eligible to apply for Phase II funding in the NOAA SBIR program. 
Phase III: The third phase involves the transition of the technology from the laboratory into the market. No SBIR funds are available during this phase, and the small business must seek funding from the private sector or non-SBIR federal agencies to support the commercialization of the product or service. 
NOAA’s estimated SBIR budget for FY24 is ~16M. With this budget the agency has a strict and intensive evaluation process of all applications. NOAA is unique in that it breaks down their evaluation criteria and corresponding point system on <a href='https://techpartnerships.noaa.gov/sbir/awardee-resources/applicants/'>their website</a>. Phase I Application evaluation is as follows: 
<ol>
<li>The scientific merit and technical approach of the proposed research (40 points) </li>
<li>The level of innovation the proposed effort offers to the research topic area (20 points) 
</li>
<li>Consideration of an application’s commercial and societal impacts and potential applications (20 points) 
</li>
<li>Qualifications of the proposed principal/key investigators, supporting staff, and consultants and availability of instrumentation and physical facilities necessary to complete the proposed work (20 points) </li>
</ol>


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<h3>Benefits of the NOAA SBIR Program </h3>


<ol>
<li>Funding for Innovation: The program offers funding to small businesses at different stages of research and development, from proof-of-concept to prototype development. This financial support is often crucial in enabling businesses to pursue innovative ideas that have the potential to make significant contributions to environmental science. </li>
<li>Collaboration and Partnership: Through the SBIR program, small businesses have the opportunity to collaborate with NOAA scientists and experts. This partnership not only provides valuable support and guidance but also opens doors to access real-world data, expertise, and facilities. Such collaborations can enhance the credibility and market viability of the developed technologies. </li>
<li>Commercialization Support: In addition to funding, the NOAA SBIR program also offers commercialization assistance to help bridge the gap between research and market-ready products or services. This includes expert guidance on intellectual property protection, market research, business development, and access to potential end-users within the federal government and private sector. </li>
</ol>


<h3>Success Stories </h3>


In 2023, NOAA received a total of 317 proposal submissions. With their budget they were able to award 30 total applications. Some of these successful applications include: 


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<a href='https://www.appliedoceansciences.com/'>Applied Ocean Sciences</a> was awarded $175,000 for their Visibility Risk Assessment Tool for Maritime Operations. As a company, according to their website, their mission is to, “...provide expert scientific research, support, and tool development in ocean science, with an emphasis on acoustics, physical oceanography, and marine biology.” Their award goes to address the issue of fog and smog causing huge risks to ship navigation and safety, Applied Ocean Sciences, LLC has proposed the development of a visibility risk-assessment tool for maritime operations. This tool will take into account meteorological, oceanographic, and bathymetric conditions and establish safety thresholds to generate discrete spatial risk maps. Ensemble models of environmental data will be incorporated into the risk-assessment codes to enhance accuracy. Furthermore, safety thresholds will be established for three types of maritime traffic navigation: harbor operations, small support boat operations (including Search and Rescue), and recreational watercraft 
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<a href='https://www.nextgenfed.com/'>NextGen Federal Systems</a>, was awarded $174,966 for their proposed technology focusing on Machine Intelligence for Space Weather (MINTS). NextGen describes themselves to be, “ fast-growing company that employs agile and mature processes in areas of innovation, research and development, program management, systems engineering, and technology commercialization.“ Their award goes to address NOAA’s need for technologies that enhance space weather capabilities, Nextgen Federal Systems goal is to enable the space weather research and operations communities to adopt an "open-source" approach, wherein the sharing of codes and data is encouraged to facilitate reproducibility. 
</div>



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<a href='https://www.upstream.tech/'>Upstream PBC</a> was awarded $174,990 for their technology focusing on improving operational water supply forecasts. As a company, they work on developing software to expand access to environmental data. With their award, their goal is to aid in risk based decisions and planning by developing a technology that will enhance the methodology and data used for generating weather forecast inputs; The proposed plan involves three main objectives; integrating a new weather forecasting source to improve the accuracy of longer lead time forecasts; and evaluating performance in critical basins that have a direct positive impact on customers and society. 
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</div>

Read more about all NOAA SBIR awardees here: <a href='https://techpartnerships.noaa.gov/techtransfer/sbir-technology/'>NOAA SBIR Awards </a>
 
If you are a small business or an entrepreneur with a passion for environmental science and technology, the NOAA SBIR program offers a wealth of opportunities. Regularly check the program's website and funding announcements for relevant research areas aligned with NOAA's mission. Familiarize yourself with the application process and ensure your project aligns with the program's goals. Collaborating with academic institutions and NOAA researchers may also enhance your proposal's strength. 
 
The NOAA SBIR program plays a vital role in fostering innovation in environmental science. By providing funding, collaboration opportunities, and commercialization support to small businesses, the program propels advancements in understanding and protecting our planet's natural resources. If you have a groundbreaking idea or technology that can contribute to NOAA's mission, the NOAA SBIR program could be your gateway to turning your vision into reality. Embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in environmental science and help create a sustainable future. 


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In today's rapidly changing world, finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges is more crucial than ever. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recognizes the importance of nurturing groundbreaking ideas and technologies to address these issues. That is why they have established the NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. In this blog, we will dive into the details of the NOAA SBIR program and explore how it fosters innovation in the field of environmental science. 

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Exploring the NOAA SBIR Program: Fostering Innovation in Enviromental Science 

Download 'Selected Not Funded Playbook - What does it mean and now what?'

October is the start of the new fiscal year which holds significance for AFWERX as it often coincides with the implementation of enhancements and improvements to the numerous funding programs and renewed funding availability. AFWERX is a multilayered organization that offers a wide variety of support to small businesses and entrepreneurs. While AFWERX is best known for their Open Topics and SBIR/STTR contracts they also offer a significant number of equally successful advanced funding opportunities. In this blog you will learn about the many advanced funding opportunities available within AFWERX. In this blog you will learn about AFWERX beyond their Phase I SBIR/STTR opportunities and the many funding pathways you can pursue to gain further capital and deeper relationships within the agency. 

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AFWERX New Fiscal Year | All About AFWERX Funding | SBIR SELECTED BUT NOT FUNDED 

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The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide valuable funding opportunities for small businesses engaged in research and development (R&D) activities. These federal programs are administered by <a href='https://www.sbir.gov/agencies-landing'>various agencies</a> and offer grants to support innovative projects with commercialization potential. If you're a small business seeking to maximize your chances of securing funding, it's worth considering applying to multiple SBIRs/STTRs. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of applying to multiple grants and provide strategies for success. 


<ul>
<li><a href="#first">What is the SBIR/STTR Program? </a></li>
<li><a href="#second">Can I Apply for Multiple SBIRs/STTRs? </a></li>
<li><a href="#third">What Are the Benefits of Applying for Multiple Grants and When Would It Make Sense? </a></li>
<li><a href="#fourth">What Are the Potential Pitfalls When Applying for Multiple SBIRs/STTRs? </a></li>
<li><a href="#fifth">What Are Strategies That Have Been Done and Have They Been Successful or Unsuccessful? </a> </li>
</ul> 

<h2>What is the SBIR/STTR Program? </h2>

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The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs are U.S. government initiatives that provide funding and support to small businesses that have research and development (R&D) that aligns with agency missions. These programs aim to stimulate technological innovation, foster collaboration between small businesses and research institutions, and promote the commercialization of innovative technologies. If you are interested in diving deeper into the program, you can read more about the details of the <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/'>SBIR program</a>, <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sttr-grant/'>STTR program</a>, and <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/'>eligibility requirements.</a> 
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<h2>Can I Apply for Multiple Opportunities? </h2>

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It is generally allowable to submit applications for multiple SBIR grants simultaneously or separately, and you are able to resubmit a previous proposal that was not approved. But it is not allowed to get grant/contract money from multiple sources to fund the exact same work as that would be what‘s known as ‘double-dipping‘. What you can do however, is tailor your project to the agency‘s specific need and focus and you will more than likely have a slightly distinct scope of work on each grant or contract, which makes it possible to have multiple awards, even simultaneously. </div> 

As the SBIR | STTR program involves various participating agencies with their own solicitations, applying for multiple grants is permissible. Our CEO, Rupak Doshi, has conducted his own <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/small-business-innovation-research-sbir-funding-for-startups-it-s-a-number-s-game-for-the-gritty-entrepreneur/'>research and study</a> on the number of startups that have applied for multiple SBIRs and STTRs. He found that of 436 surveyed SBIR awardee companies, about 94% have submitted multiple proposals. Our company, OmniSync itself, has also submitted multiple applications to numerous agencies and, as a result, has won a total of seven SBIR awards. These awards are two Phase I, three Phase II, and two separate Phase III awards from different agencies. Additionally with these successes, our product, TurboSBIR, has guided multiple successful companies through numerous SBIR and STTR applications. Some of these companies include <a href='https://www.universalschedule.com/'>Universal Schedule and Booking</a>, a USDA and DOE winner; <a href='https://www.innovisionllc.com/'>Innovision LLC</a>, an AFWERX, DOD, and NSF winner; and <a href='https://www.sygnamap.com/'>SygnaMap</a>, a NIH, NSF, and (soon to be) NIST winner. You can find more <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/'>TurboSBIR</a> winners on our <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/testimonials-page/'>Testimonials Page</a>. 
Before applying for multiple SBIRs and STTRs, there are still several key considerations to keep in mind: 
<ol>
<li>Eligibility and Requirements: While there are <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/'>general registration requirements</a> for the SBIR and STTR programs as a whole, individual agencies may require additional registrations, such as signing up for an application portal. It is essential to ensure that your business and proposed project align with the requirements set by each agency. </li><li>

Tailoring Your Proposals: It is not a simple copy-paste process, as agencies only accept grants that align with their missions, topics, requirements, and milestones. Avoid using generic or recycled content and instead focus on addressing the research objectives, priorities, and technical challenges outlined by your chosen agency in their solicitations. </li><li>

Timing and Deadlines: Keeping track of the application deadlines for each SBIR grant you plan to apply for is crucial. Different agencies have varying open dates, due dates, and yearly schedules, so effective time management is necessary to meet the submission deadlines. The SBA keeps track of these deadlines here on their website, and each individual agency also posts frequent updates on solicitation releases. </li><li>

Resources and Capacity: Applying for multiple SBIR grants requires careful planning and resource allocation. Consider your team's workload and capacity to ensure that sufficient time and effort can be dedicated to each application. There are numerous resources available for startups seeking to apply for multiple grants, such as <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/'>TurboSBIR</a>. TurboSBIR offers custom plans tailored to assist startups in organizing, writing, and submitting multiple SBIR and STTR proposals, including grant pathways, samples, templates, and professional grant writing support. You can learn more about this service at <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/'>TurboSBIR.com</a>. </li><li>

Managing Feedback: If your proposals are not selected for funding, agencies often provide feedback explaining why the proposals were unsuccessful. Utilize this feedback to improve future applications. Take note of the strengths and weaknesses identified in your proposals and make the necessary adjustments to enhance your chances of success, not just with the particular agency but also with others you may be interested in applying to. There are also services that will review your proposals and provide feedback. As previously mentioned, TurboSBIR offers intensive and comprehensive grant and contract support. With extensive experience submitting and reviewing applications, TurboSBIR can assist in understanding and applying any agency feedback. </li></ol>


<h2>What Are the Potential Pitfalls When Applying for Multiple SBIRs/STTRs? </h2>

When applying for multiple SBIRs or STTRs, small businesses should be cautious of the following pitfalls: 

<ol><li>
Overextending Resources: Applying for multiple grants can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Small businesses may risk spreading their resources too thin, leading to a lack of focus and reduced quality in their proposals. There are supports to help mitigate this risk, such as TurboSBIR which provides easy-to- follow custom workflows for each different agency, as well as grant writers who can help alleviate almost all the workload. </li><li>

Insufficient Proposal Customization: As previously mentioned, each SBIR/STTR opportunity may have unique requirements and evaluation criteria. One cycle that applicants may fall into is resubmitting the same proposal under the assumption that the process and requirements remain the same across all agencies. Customizing the proposal to align with the agency’s mission enhances the chances of success. </li><li>

Limited Resources for Project Execution: If multiple proposals are awarded, small businesses must have adequate resources to execute the funded projects efficiently. It is essential to consider whether the business has the necessary personnel, equipment, and infrastructure to successfully manage and deliver multiple projects concurrently. </li><li>

Conflating Intellectual Property Rights: Small businesses should carefully review the intellectual property provisions in each SBIRs or STTRs agreement. Different agencies may have varying policies and requirements regarding ownership and commercialization of intellectual property generated during the funded project. Failure to understand and comply with these provisions may lead to complications and potential conflicts later. </li><li>

Compliance and Reporting Requirements: Applying for multiple SBIRs and STTRs means dealing with multiple sets of compliance requirements, financial reporting, and administrative responsibilities. It is crucial for small businesses to ensure they have the capacity and systems in place to meet these obligations and maintain compliance across all projects. </li><li>

Managing Collaboration and Partnerships: If collaborating with research institutions or other entities is required for specific applications (always a requirement for STTR applications), small businesses should carefully manage these partnerships. Communication, coordination, and agreement on roles, responsibilities, and intellectual property rights are vital to ensuring smooth collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. </li>

</ol>


<h2>What Are the Benefits of Applying for Multiple Grants and When Would It Make Sense? </h2>

There are numerous benefits associated with applying for multiple SBIRs and STTRs, including: 


<ol><li>Increased Funding Opportunities: Applying to multiple SBIRs and STTRs allows small businesses to tap into a broader range of funding opportunities. Considering the low success rates of SBIR and STTR grants (~20%)<a href='#reference'>[3]</a>, applying to multiple grants increases the likelihood of securing funding. SBIRs. </li><li>

Strategic Networking and Collaboration: Each SBIR grant may involve partnerships with specific research institutions or other entities, fostering collaboration opportunities<a href='#reference'>[1]</a>. By applying to multiple SBIRs and STTRs, small businesses will gain exposure to a wider network of agencies, program managers, and potential collaborators. This exposure creates the ability to forge connections and collaborations with different research organizations or industry partners. This can enhance their access to expertise, resources, and potential market opportunities<a href='#reference'>[1]</a>. </li><li>

Enhanced Learning and Feedback: The SBIR proposal process involves thorough evaluation by expert reviewers. Even if your proposal is not selected for funding, many agencies provide feedback explaining why it was unsuccessful. This feedback helps refine future proposals, identify areas for improvement, and gain a better understanding of the evaluation criteria. </li><li>

Maximizing Research and Development Potential: Applying for multiple SBIR grants allows small businesses to pursue different research and development projects simultaneously<a href='#reference'>[1]</a>. This enables them to explore multiple technological avenues, conduct parallel experiments, and advance their innovation pipeline efficiently. It also allows them to capitalize on synergies that may arise between different projects and leverage knowledge gained in one project to benefit others<a href='#reference'>[2]</a>. </li><li>

Market Validation and Business Growth: Receiving funding from multiple SBIR grants provides strong market validation for your technology or solution. It demonstrates that multiple federal agencies recognize the potential value and impact of your innovation. Startups with multiple SBIR and STTR awards have often experienced exponential growth in their R&D and commercialization potential. This validation enhances credibility in the market, attracts potential investors, and opens doors to additional funding opportunities. </li><li>

Diversifying Funding Sources: By applying for multiple SBIR grants, small businesses can increase their chances of securing funding and reduce reliance on a single funding source. This strategy allows them to spread their risk and enhance their financial stability<a href='#reference'>[1]</a>. Government funding provides a secure and guaranteed funding stream as long as the contract is valid and the milestones are met. Partnership is also a way to submit; for example, subcontracting or combining technology or products to improve a product is another option. </li>
</ol>
 
If an organization has expertise across different areas of research, applying for multiple grants allows small businesses to align their proposals with the specific priorities of each agency, highlighting their unique expertise and capabilities in different domains. Demonstrating unique and extensive expertise also increases the likelihood of receiving funding for their innovative projects<a href='#reference'>[1]</a>. 

It is important to note that while applying to multiple SBIR grants can offer advantages, it also requires careful consideration of available resources, project management capabilities, and eligibility criteria for each grant<a href='#reference'>[1]</a>. Small businesses should assess their capacity to effectively manage multiple projects and ensure alignment with their long-term goals and priorities. 



<h2>What Are Strategies That Have Been Done and Have They Been Successful? </h2>


There are many different strategies an organization could choose. Some that have been done are: 

 

Unsuccessful: Some companies will put together ten proposals. Some of these proposals may be for the same agency with slightly different applications for their product. The goal of this company would be to hope to get at least one award. By creating these multiple proposals, this company will end up recycling similar material, failing to tailor it to the different agencies’ needs. Additionally, they may be trying to double dip with almost the exact same product from different agency. This is why agencies have set strict rules surrounding the winning of multiple awards and only allows it when its clearly distinguished scope of work. 
 

 
Successful: Write to the requirements and the needs. For example, a healthcare technology company focused on providing type II diabetic support and disease management via an app would fit within the NIH, NSF, USDA, and ACL. Each agency has its own needs outlined in their solicitation, so this company will adjust their separate proposals to pitch how various aspects of their product can benefit the agency. This technology could be tailored to the NIH by outlining the ways it aligns with the agency’s mission of “to develop, maintain, and renew scientific human and physical resources that will assure the nation's capability to prevent disease”. This same technology can next be tailored to the NSF SBIR/STTR topic area of “Digital Health” focused more on the underlying deep-tech of the product’s workings itself. This same process would be followed for other agencies and their solicitation applications. 

With this strategy, many companies win multiple awards, but an issue they may encounter is that they may not be able to successfully accept them all. In a situation where some of these awards are contracts, there can be an overlap of goals and deadlines between two or more awards. If this is the case, the company will sometimes pick their preferred contract. If the company wants both and believes they have the resources for both, they will be honest with the TPOC and contracting officer and find a way to best meet unique benchmarks. 

 

Alternative: One other thing to consider is that a standard government contract or agency-specific challenge might be an option, especially if the proposal is already written; it can be modified for the solicitation or challenge. These challenges are award events that are held by agencies throughout the year and can offer awards such as a small grant, a large contract, etc. You can check agency websites to track any open challenges. 
Navigating the process of applying to multiple SBIRs and STTRs can be a rewarding but difficult process. There are consultation and writing resources that can steer you in the correct direction and provide the needed support, feedback, and work flows to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Schedule a call with the team here: <a href='https://www.turbosbir.com/'>https://www.turbosbir.com/</a>



Sources: 
1. Small Business Administration. "FAST Best Practices Guide." <a href='https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/FAST_Best_Practices_Report.pdf'>Link</a> 
2. National Science Foundation. "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for SBIR/STTR." <a href='https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2022/nsf22053/nsf22053.jsp'>https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2022/nsf22053/nsf22053.jsp</a> 
3. SBIR/STTR 2019 SBA Annual Report <a href='https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf'>https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf</a> pg. 11-12





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The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide valuable funding opportunities for small businesses engaged in research and development (R&D) activities. These federal programs are administered by various agencies and offer grants to support innovative projects with commercialization potential. If you're a small business seeking to maximize your chances of securing funding, it's worth considering applying to multiple SBIRs/STTRs. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of applying to multiple grants and provide strategies for success. 

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Applying to Multiple SBIRs/STTRs: What to Avoid and How to Maximize Opportunities for Success 

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 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a unique funding opportunity for small businesses aiming to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. With its focus on advancing environmental research and technology, the EPA SBIR program plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable practices and addressing pressing environmental issues. 


<h2>The EPA’s Mission </h2>
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The EPA SBIR/STTR program’s mission encompasses several key objectives. First, it seeks to stimulate innovation by supporting high-risk, high-reward research and development projects that have the potential for significant environmental impact. The EPA understands that breakthrough solutions often come from small businesses that have the flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit to pursue novel approaches. 

Second, the SBIR EPA program aims to promote the commercialization of environmental technologies. It recognizes that for innovations to make a real-world difference, they must be scalable, marketable, and economically viable. The program encourages small businesses to consider the commercial potential of their technologies and provides resources to help them navigate the path from research and development to successful commercialization. 
 

Another important aspect of the program's mission is to foster collaboration and partnerships. The EPA acknowledges that addressing complex environmental challenges requires a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach. The SBIR program encourages small businesses to team up with research institutions, universities, and other industry players to leverage expertise, share resources, and maximize the impact of their innovations. 
 

Furthermore, the SBIR EPA program aims to create opportunities for underrepresented groups, including socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, women-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses. The program recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and ensuring that the benefits of environmental advancements reach all communities. 
 

<h2>The EPA Phased SBIR Program </h2> 

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The EPA SBIR program, like other SBIR programs, operates in phases. Phase I is the initial stage where small businesses receive funding to conduct feasibility studies and develop a proof-of-concept for their innovative ideas. For the EPA, the maximum amount that can be awarded during this phase is $100,000 for a 6-month proof of concept period. Phase II provides additional funding for the further development and commercialization of the technology or process. For Phase II awards, the maximum award is increased to $400,000. For startups in Phase II who have obtained third party funding, the EPA also offers an “Commercialization Option” award option, where they provide up to $100,000 in additional funding. 
 
An important piece of information to keep in mind is that these awards are not provided via grants, “no string attached” funding, but rather contracts through the EPA. You can learn more about the difference between grants and contracts here:<a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/ "> https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/ </a> 


The upcoming 2023 EPA SBIR Phase I solicitation is expected to be released in June and will close in August. To Learn more about this release, you can visit the EPA website here: <a hre"https://www.epa.gov/sbir/sbir-funding-opportunities "> https://www.epa.gov/sbir/sbir-funding-opportunities</a> In this blog post, we will focus on the Phase I SBIR application process and its significance for small businesses. 

The Phase I SBIR application process is designed to identify and support promising environmental research and technology ideas that align with the EPA's mission. It begins with the release of the EPA SBIR solicitation, which outlines the specific research topics of interest and provides detailed instructions for proposal submission. The solicitation is typically released once a year and includes a range of environmental areas, such as air quality, water resources, waste management, and pollution prevention. 

Before applying, there are several registrations small businesses must complete. Some SBIR agencies have special registrations; however, each SBIR agency has similar general requirements. You can learn more about these registrations here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/ ">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/ </a> 


To successfully apply for Phase I funding, small businesses must thoroughly understand the EPA's research priorities and tailor their proposals to address these priorities. It is essential to carefully review the solicitation and familiarize oneself with the evaluation criteria, project requirements, and deadlines. Small businesses should pay close attention to the specific research questions outlined by the EPA and ensure that their proposals align with the agency's mission. In the upcoming solicitation, the topics being funded are as follows: 
<ul>
<li>Clean and Safe Water </li>
<li>Air Quality & Climate </li>
<li>Land</li>
<li>Homeland Security </li>
<li>Circular Economy/Sustainable Materials </li>
<li>Safer Chemicals </li>
</ul>

You can read more about these topics on the EPA SBIR website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sbir/sbir-funding-opportunities"> https://www.epa.gov/sbir/sbir-funding-opportunities </a>
 

Crafting a strong Phase I SBIR application requires a well-defined project plan, a clear description of the innovation, and a persuasive argument for its feasibility and potential impact. Small businesses should provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed technology or process, including its scientific basis, technical approach, and expected outcomes. It is important to demonstrate the novelty and innovativeness of the idea, as well as its potential for environmental benefits. 
 
In addition to the technical aspects, the Phase I SBIR application should also address the commercialization potential of the proposed innovation. Small businesses need to showcase the market opportunity and potential customers or end-users of their technology. This includes discussing potential partnerships, intellectual property considerations, and plans for scaling up and bringing the innovation to market. 
 
 
 

To strengthen their applications, small businesses can leverage partnerships with research institutions, universities, or other industry players. Collaborations can enhance the technical expertise, resources, and credibility of the proposed project. Demonstrating a strong team and collaboration network can increase the likelihood of success in the application process. 
 
 
 

The EPA SBIR program places a strong emphasis on the commercialization potential of the proposed innovations. Small businesses should articulate a clear path to commercialization in their Phase I proposals. This includes outlining plans for further development beyond Phase I, potential market entry strategies, and the overall business viability of the innovation. It is essential to convey the economic benefits and environmental impacts that can be achieved through successful commercialization. 
 
 
 

Once the Phase I SBIR applications are submitted, they undergo a rigorous evaluation process. Expert reviewers assess the technical merit, innovation, commercial potential, and environmental impact of the proposed projects. The EPA aims to select the most promising projects that align with their research priorities and have the potential for significant environmental benefits. 
 
 
 

For small businesses that are awarded Phase I funding, the EPA SBIR program offers more than just financial support. It provides access to technical assistance, mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities. Small businesses can leverage these resources to refine their innovations, connect with experts in the field, and further develop their commercialization strategies. 
 



Success Stories 
As of this year there have been 25 SBIR awardees. Some of these awardees include: 
<ul>
<li>J-Tech LLC for <a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract_id/11343/report/0">Developing an Electrified Technology for Non-potable Reuse of Septic Tank Effluent.</a> Awarded $99,945 </li>
<li>LeapFrog Design for <a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract_id/11354/report/0">Ecological Treatment of Blackwater for Onsite Non-potable Reuse.</a> Awarded $99,990 </li>
<li>Sporian Microsystems Inc. for A <a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract_id/11341/report/0">High-speed, Low Cost Machine Learning Enhanced, Hyperspectral Imaging System for Improved Identification of Microplastics.</a> Awarded $99,981 </li>
<li>Aquarius Systems for <a href="https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.abstractDetail/abstract_id/11326/report/0">Designing and Alpha Testing In-water Collection and Removal of Floating Debris System.</a> Awarded $100,000 </li>
</ul>
 

<h2>Tips on Phase 1 EPA SBIR Applications </h2> 
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To maximize the benefits of the EPA SBIR program, startups should approach the application process strategically. Here are a few tips to increase the likelihood of a successful application: 

<ol>
<li> Thoroughly research the EPA's environmental priorities: Understand the EPA's mission, research focus areas, and specific topics of interest. Tailor your proposal to align with these priorities, clearly demonstrating how your innovation addresses pressing environmental challenges. </li>
<li>Develop a strong project plan: Outline a well-defined research plan, including objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. Highlight the technical feasibility, innovativeness, and potential environmental benefits of your proposed solution.</li>
<li>Emphasize commercialization potential: Clearly articulate the market opportunity, potential customers, and the unique value proposition of your innovation. Discuss your business strategy, competitive advantage, and plans for scaling up and bringing the technology to market.</li>
<li>Seek partnerships and collaborations: Leverage partnerships with research institutions, universities, or industry players to enhance the technical expertise, resources, and credibility of your proposal. Collaboration can strengthen your application and demonstrate a collaborative approach to solving environmental challenges.</li>
<li> Craft a compelling narrative: Clearly communicate the story behind your innovation, emphasizing its societal and environmental impact. Use data, case studies, and testimonials to support your claims and demonstrate the potential effectiveness of your solution.</li>
<li>Seek feedback and iterate: Engage with mentors, advisors, or experts in the field to review and provide feedback on your proposal. Revise and refine your application based on their insights, ensuring that it is comprehensive, coherent, and compelling.</li>
</ol>


By following these guidelines, startups can increase their chances of securing funding from the EPA SBIR program. The financial support, resources, and connections provided by the program can empower startups to overcome challenges, accelerate development, and make significant contributions to environmental sustainability. 


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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a unique funding opportunity for small businesses aiming to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. With its focus on advancing environmental research and technology, the EPA SBIR program plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable practices and addressing pressing environmental issues. 

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EPA Phase I Solicitation 

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The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a government program that provides funding to small businesses to conduct research and development (R&D) that has the potential to be commercialized and benefit the nation. Traditionally, SBIR programs have been topic-specific, meaning that the government agency sponsoring the SBIR would define a specific research topic or topics for small businesses to propose solutions to. However, in recent years, some government agencies have begun to experiment with open topic SBIRs, which allow small businesses to propose research projects in any area that falls within the agency's mission and research priorities. 


<h2>What is the difference between Open and Specific Topic SBIR/STTR Solicitation? </h2>
As SBIR/STTR-participating federal agencies begin to introduce Open Topic solicitations, it is important to highlight the differences between traditional specific topic solicitations and the newer open topic opportunities. 

Traditionally, SBIR/STTR-participating agencies have had a distinct process when soliciting innovative dual-use technologies to fund. The government agency sponsoring the SBIR will pre-define a specific research topic or topics for small businesses to propose solutions to. This means that the proposals submitted by small businesses must address the specific topic or topics already identified in the agency solicitation. 
However, this focused approach can be very limiting. In contrast, an open topic SBIR allows small businesses to propose research projects in any area that falls within the agency's mission and research priorities. While there may be some general guidelines or requirements that must be met, small businesses have much more flexibility in the overall focus of their proposals. 
 

<h2>Why is this good news? </h2>

This shift in approach has been welcomed by many in the small business community, especially as it relates to SBIR/STTR contract opportunities. 

Why? This is because the traditional topic-specific solicitations limited the pool of eligible companies to those that specifically matched the topic area. This approach was often criticized as too narrow and exclusive, and it made it difficult for small businesses to identify and compete for funding opportunities. 

However, the open topic solicitations open the funnel to allow for a wider range of companies to apply for funding. Companies are able to propose innovative solutions without being restricted by a predetermined topic. This approach opens up the competition to a broader range of small businesses and encourages greater innovation, which can ultimately lead to better solutions for the government. 
 

<h2>How this impacts the DoD and its underlying agencies</h2>
The Department of Defense (DoD) and its underlying agencies has recently made a significant move towards open solicitations for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals. This is, in part, motivated by the mandate set forth in the SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022, which required that each participating military branch in the DoD offer at least one “open topic” solicitation annually. 

This is also motivated by the success seen from the AFWERX Open Topics program. Prior to the 2022 SBIR and STTR Extension Act, AFWERX, part of the Air Force, was the only branch offering open topic solicitations. The AFWERX open topic solicitations have made space for innovative solutions outside of the more ridged scope of closed topic proposals. This has led to successful projects and products across many fields of innovation. As a two-time AFWERX Open Topics awardee ourselves, we know personally that the open topics approach has allowed impactful innovations to support the government, that might not have fit the specific topics criteria. This success has led other DoD agencies to follow suit in offering their own open topic solicitations such as the Army and the Navy. 

The DoD's move towards open solicitations is part of a broader effort to streamline the SBIR process and make it more accessible to small businesses. The DoD has also simplified the proposal submission process, reduced the paperwork burden, and increased the funding available for Phase I and Phase II SBIR awards. 

In addition, the DoD has implemented a number of initiatives to support small businesses throughout the SBIR process. These include mentorship programs, access to subject matter experts, and guidance on navigating the complex federal contracting system. 


<h2>Upcoming Open Topics Solicitations under the DoD </h2>

The Navy is one of the largest and most active supporters of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which is designed to fund innovative research and development projects that have the potential to meet the Navy's technology needs. The Navy's SBIR program is a critical source of funding for small businesses, providing opportunities for them to work with the Navy on a range of projects. 

One of the most exciting developments in the Navy's SBIR program is the upcoming open solicitation being released this summer. There is no current pre-release, however you can track then dates on their website here: <a href="https://www.navysbir.com/solicitations.htm">https://www.navysbir.com/solicitations.htm </a> 
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The open solicitation is a significant departure from the traditional topic-specific solicitations, as it allows small businesses to submit proposals on any topic that falls within the Navy's technology areas of interest. 

This approach is expected to encourage greater innovation and allow a broader range of small businesses to participate in the Navy's SBIR program. The Navy's open solicitation is expected to attract a wide range of proposals, from companies developing cutting-edge technologies to those looking to improve existing technologies. 

As one of the other largest supporters of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the United States Army is gearing up for its upcoming 2023 SBIR solicitation. This solicitation is expected to offer small businesses a unique opportunity to work with the Army on a range of innovative research and development projects that have the potential to meet the Army's technology needs. 

The upcoming 2023 Army Open Topic SBIR solicitation is expected to cover a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, soldier protection, autonomous systems, and more. Small businesses that have innovative ideas in these areas, as well as other technology areas that are relevant to the Army, will have the opportunity to submit proposals for funding consideration. You can also track these announcements here: <a href="https://www.armysbir.army.mil/schedule/">https://www.armysbir.army.mil/schedule/ </a> 
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To be eligible for a DoD SBIR award, companies must meet certain requirements, including being a small business, having a strong research and development focus, and having the capability to commercialize the technology or process being developed. You can read more about the general SBIR/STTR applicant requirements here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/</a> 

 

This summer, both the Army and the Navy will be releasing their first open topic SBIR solicitations. The expected dates as well as current information can be found on their respective websites here: <a href="https://www.navysbir.com/open_topic.htm">https://www.navysbir.com/open_topic.htm </a>and <a href="https://www.armysbir.army.mil/topics/">https://www.armysbir.army.mil/topics/</a> 

These solicitations will allow small businesses to propose innovative research projects that address any area within the Army or Navy's mission and research priorities. This represents a significant shift in the way that these government agencies approach SBIR funding and is expected to result in a wider range of proposals and a greater variety of solutions to the problems faced by the Army and Navy. 
 


<h2>What does this mean? </h2>
 Overall, the DoD's shift towards open solicitations represents a positive development for small businesses interested in pursuing SBIR funding. By expanding the pool of eligible companies and encouraging greater innovation, the DoD is helping to create a more competitive and dynamic SBIR program that can deliver better solutions for the nation's defense needs. 

At TurboSBIR, our mission has always been to democratize SBIR/STTR funding. We are excited for this overall trend toward open topics and have adjusted our agency identification and application tools accordingly. 

This is another step toward a more equitable and impactful SBIR/STTR program! 



</article>

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a government program that provides funding to small businesses to conduct research and development (R&D) that has the potential to be commercialized and benefit the nation. Traditionally, SBIR programs have been topic-specific, meaning that the government agency sponsoring the SBIR would define a specific research topic or topics for small businesses to propose solutions to. However, in recent years, some government agencies have begun to experiment with open topic SBIRs, which allow small businesses to propose research projects in any area that falls within the agency's mission and research priorities. 

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DoD Open Topic Solicitations Transition 

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Minority business owners often face unique challenges when starting and growing their businesses. These challenges included limited access to capital, resources, and networks. However, there are numerous grant opportunities available specifically for minority business owners that can help them overcome these many challenges and achieve success as a company. 
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Here are some ways for minority business owners to find grant opportunities: 

<ol>
<li>Government Agencies</li>
Government agencies are one of the primary sources of grant funding for minority-owned businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the most popular federal resource for small business owners seeking grant opportunities. In addition to general agency solicitations, the SBA offers several grant programs specifically for minority-owned businesses, including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Beyond these the SBA offers other grant programs for minority-owned businesses such as the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

<li>Non-Profit Organizations </li>
Non-profit organizations also offer a variety of grant programs for minority-owned businesses. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), for example, offers grants to minority-owned businesses that are certified as minority business enterprises (MBEs). The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) also offers growth grants to all small businesses. 

<li>Private Foundations </li>
Many private foundations offer grant programs for minority-owned businesses. The Wells Fargo Diverse Community Capital program, for example, provides funding to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that lend to small businesses owned by minorities and other underrepresented groups. The Kauffman Foundation, which focuses on entrepreneurship, offers grant programs for minority-owned businesses in certain regions of the country. 

<li>Online Databases </li>
There are a number of online databases that can help minority business owners find grant opportunities. TurboSBIR has many search tools with AI software that compiles all available grants and contracts on federal databases for more efficient and effective grant/contract searching. This can help save a significant amount of time as well as help avoid missing perfect fit opportunities. Grants can also be found directly from the federal agency or local Chambers of Commerce websites. These platforms make it easier for small businesses when it comes to exploring grant and contract opportunities. 

<li>Local Resources </li>
Local resources, such as small business development centers (SBDCs) and chambers of commerce, can also be a good source of information about grant opportunities for minority-owned businesses. These organizations often have information about local grant programs that may not be widely publicized. At TurboSBIR, we are very proud partners of SBDCs and economic development agencies across the United States. These local resources provide invaluable support to entrepreneurs. Please visit your local SBDC or chamber of commerce to learn more. 
When looking for grant opportunities, it’s important for all business owners to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines for each program. Many grant programs have strict eligibility requirements, and the application process can be highly competitive. Additionally, there are many helpful resources that can be found and used to help applicants through these processes. Grant writers and online resources can be found via internet research or by consulting the grant program. . 
</ol> 

<h2>The SBIR Program </h2>
One popular opportunity is the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which provides equity free, non-dilutive government funding to many small businesses that develop innovative technologies and present strong commercialization potential. This program is open to businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans and many agencies have specific support just for those falling into any of the above groups. 

According to the SBIR website, the SBIR program is divided into three phases: 
<ul>
<li>Phase 1: Provides up to about $290,000 in funding over six to 12 months for proof-of-concept research. </li>
<li>Phase 2: Provides up to about $1.9 million in funding over two years for full-scale research and development. </li>
<li>Phase 3: Provides support for the commercialization of technologies developed in Phase 2. </li>



Minority business owners who are interested in the SBIR program should be prepared to develop a strong proposal that demonstrates the commercial potential of their technology. The program is highly competitive and only a small percentage of applicants are awarded funding. 
Alongside the SBIR/STTR resources there are a number of other grant opportunities and resources targeted at supporting minority business owners. A few examples are: 

<li>Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Grants </li>
The MBDA is a federal agency that provides grants to minority-owned businesses looking to increase growth. The agency provides many services and resources to help minority-owned businesses, including access to capital, business consulting, and networking opportunities. 
<li>National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Grants </li>
The NMSDC is a non-profit organization that provides grants to minority-owned businesses that are certified as minority business enterprises (MBEs). The grants are designed to help MBEs access capital and grow their businesses. The NMSDC also provides a range of other resources and services to help MBEs succeed, including access to networking opportunities and business development programs. 
<li>USDA Rural Business Development Grants </li>
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides grants to minority-owned businesses located in rural areas through its Rural Business Development Grant program. The grants are designed to help rural businesses access capital and grow their businesses. The program also provides technical assistance and training to help businesses succeed. 
<li>National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants</li>
The NASE is a non-profit organization that provides grants to small businesses, including those owned by minorities, that are seeking to grow and expand. The organization provides a range of other resources and services to help small businesses succeed, including access to healthcare, retirement planning, and tax resources. 
<li>Wells Fargo Diverse Community Capital Program </li>
Wells Fargo provides grants to minority-owned businesses through its Diverse Community Capital program. The program provides funding to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that lend to small businesses owned by minorities and other underrepresented groups. 

These are just a few examples of the many grant opportunities available to minority business owners. By taking advantage of these opportunities, minority business owners can access the resources and capital they need to start and grow their businesses. 

</ul> 

<h2>Previous Awardees </h2>
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The SBIR program includes 11 government agencies, each with their own missions and focus topics. Some of these agencies include the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over the years, many minority-owned businesses have been successful in securing SBIR grants to support their research and development efforts. Here are a few examples: 
&emsp; LuTech Resources: LuTech Resources is a minority-owned small business based in Arizona that focuses on the development of advanced manufacturing processes. In 2019, the company was awarded an SBIR grant from the NSF to develop a new manufacturing process for the production of high-performance, lightweight composites. 
&emsp; BioVirtua: BioVirtua is a minority-owned biotechnology company based in California that develops innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The company was awarded an SBIR grant from the NIH in 2020 to support the development of a new cancer therapy that targets specific genetic mutations. 
&emsp; NovoNutrients: NovoNutrients is a minority-owned small business based in California that develops sustainable solutions for the production of food and animal feed. In 2021, the company was awarded an SBIR grant from the DOE to develop a new technology that converts carbon dioxide emissions into a sustainable source of protein for animal feed. 
&emsp; Adaptive Surface Technologies: Adaptive Surface Technologies is a minority-owned small business based in Massachusetts that develops advanced surface coatings for a variety of industries, including healthcare and aerospace. In 2020, the company was awarded an SBIR grant from the NSF to develop a new anti-fouling coating that can prevent the growth of bacteria and other contaminants on medical devices. 
&emsp; R-Squared AI: R-Squared AI is a minority-owned small business based in Georgia that develops artificial intelligence solutions for the healthcare industry. In 2021, the company was awarded an SBIR grant from the NIH to develop a new AI-powered tool for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. 

SBIR grants can provide critical funding and support to small businesses, allowing them to bring innovative technologies to market and grow their business. Minority-owned businesses should explore all available funding opportunities, including the SBIR program, to support their research and development efforts and achieve success. 
 

<h2>Important Statistics </h2>
Data has shown that minority-owned small businesses play a vital role in the US economy. 
&emsp; Amount of Minority-Owned Small Businesses 
According <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/annual-business-survey-characteristics.html">to the most recent report</a>, there were over 1.15 million minority-owned businesses in the US, representing approximately 19.9% of all US businesses. Of these, more than 140,000 were African American-owned, 6,5% of which were Hispanic-owned, more than 600,000 were Asian-owned, and 150,000 were Native American or Alaska Native-owned. The largest number of minority owned businesses are located in California, representing nearly half of all small businesses.



&emsp; Success of Minority-Owned Small Businesses 
Minority-owned small businesses face unique challenges in the US, including access to capital, discrimination, and systemic barriers. Despite these challenges, many minority-owned small businesses have been successful. According to the Minority Business Development Agency, due to the amount of available resources, minority-owned businesses have a higher rate of business creation than non-minority-owned businesses. In 2018, minority-owned businesses generated $1.4 trillion in revenue, and the number of minority-owned businesses continues to grow. 

&emsp; Future of Minority-Owned Small Businesses 
Despite the challenges faced by minority-owned small businesses, the future shows to be promising. According to a study by the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, Latino-owned businesses have grown at a rate of 34% over the last ten years. The same study found that Latino-owned businesses are more likely to hire employees than non-Latino-owned businesses. Similarly, the National Minority Supplier Development Council reports that minority-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the US economy. 

<h2>Conclusion </h2>
 In conclusion, minority-owned small businesses play an essential role in the US economy. Despite the many challenges, minority owned businesses are continuing to grow significantly. Minority-owned small businesses are eligible for grant programs that can provide much-needed funding to help them overcome financial obstacles and continue to prosper. As the US economy continues to evolve, it is crucial that policymakers and business leaders work to address the systemic barriers faced by minority-owned small businesses and promote their success. There are many grant opportunities available for minority business owners, and by exploring all available options and carefully preparing their applications, minority business owners can access the resources and capital they need to start and grow their businesses and further contribute to the U.S. economy. 



References 

<a href="https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/labs-initiatives/slei/state-latino-entrepreneurship-report "> https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/labs-initiatives/slei/state-latino-entrepreneurship-report </a> 
<a href="https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/minority-owned-businesses-by-state#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20latest%20US,person%20and%20have%20no%20hires. "> https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/minority-owned-businesses-by-state#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20latest%20US,person%20and%20have%20no%20hires. </a> 

<a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/annual-business-survey-characteristics.html "> https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/annual-business-survey-characteristics.html </a> 




</article>

Minority business owners often face unique challenges when starting and growing their businesses. These challenges can include limited access to capital, resources, and networks. However, there are numerous grant opportunities available specifically for minority business owners that can help them overcome these many challenges and achieve success as a company.

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Minority Owned Small Business Grant Opportunities 

<article>


<h2>NIST Overview </h2>
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. First founded in 1901, the agency was established by Congress to remove any barriers hindering the competitiveness of the U.S. industrial companies. The NIST has made huge impacts on the U.S. in regards to advanced innovation. In fact, NIST is known as one of the nation’s oldest physical science laboratories. .
 Today, NIST is one of the 11 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program agencies. The agency established its program at the same time as the SBIR introduction, 1982. Since then, the agency has been funding relevant innovative research and development (R&D). To read more about the SBIR program as a whole click here: <a https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/ ">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/ </a> From creating electronic health records to developing the electric power grid and computer chips, NIST has been the source of many groundbreaking innovations throughout U.S. history. Furthermore, NIST has developed innovative policies that we still use today. These policies have not only decreased many losses for businesses but also helped save many lives. For instance, NIST wrote the first national electrical safety code in 1915, Safety for the Household in 1918, and conducted the first full-scale fire test in 1928. 
In modern day, the NIST SBIR program supports a variety of technologies, whether small scale or large scale. They have most recently funded infrastructure innovations like earthquake resistant skyscrapers and advanced microscope devices. Their funding scope stretches wide, allowing startups in a large variety of fields to be eligible for their grant opportunities. 

<h2>NIST SBIR Program Prerequisites </h2>
The SBIR program has overall requirements that all interested applicants must fulfill. For a more detailed breakdown of these requirements and the SBIR program as a whole, click here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/ </a>. In summary, however, small businesses must have less than 500 employees, must be for profit, must be primarily based within the U.S., must have less than 50% participation from a foreign business, and must be more than 50% directly owned and controlled by permanent U.S. residents.

The NIST SBIR program requirements, in addition to the general SBIR requirements are: 
The applicant must be the primary employer of the Principal Investigator (PI) on the proposal. This means that the PI may not have full-time employment at a different organization. NIST does offer alternative solutions for the requirement; however, the small business must request the exception through the NIST Grants Officer prior to application submission. 

Similarly, the NIST SBIR program does make some exceptions for the requirement to have the R&D completed within the U.S. to a select few small businesses. Applicants must get this approved via the NIST Grants Officer. 

The NIST SBIR program does not allow venture capital companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms to apply for their available grant opportunities. 

NIST also requires specific registrations, as do all other SBIR/STTR agencies. The primary registration specifically outlined in the solicitation is the Company Registry. This must be completed prior to proposal submission. You can learn more about ALL SBIR and STTR required registrations here: <a href=" https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/ ">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/ </a> 

<h2>NIST SBIR Program </h2>
The goals of the SBIR program are: 
<ol><li>to increase the commercialization of innovative R&D derived from the federal government. </li>
<li>to utilize small business R&D to meet the needs of the federal government sector. </li>
<li>to stimulate the market with innovative technologies. </li>
<li>to encourage the participation of minority and disadvantaged groups in technological innovation. </li>
</ol>

The NIST SBIR program releases an annual SBIR solicitation at the beginning of the year. In the agency's Appropriations Summary FY 2021 - 2023 NIST outlined the available funding for all SBIRs. For 2023, they allotted a total of 953 Million dollars, 763.3 million being designated for laboratory programs, 17.5 million for corporate services, and 172.2 millions for standards coordination and special programs. Like other SBIR programs, NIST follows a 3-phase award process. There are 2 award types that each SBIR agency can choose to offer, grants and contracts. Some agencies only offer one while others can offer both depending on the solicitation. NIST only offers grant opportunities which are non-dilutive equity free awards. You can learn more about the differences between grants and contracts here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/"> https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/</a> 
The first phase of an SBIR solicitation is referred to as Phase 1 or the Feasibility Phase. Applications are assessed off the merit of future commercialization of the proposed innovation. Phase 1 awards last a duration of about 6 months for concept development with a max award of $100,000. The NIST SBIR Program also offers an additional financial award on top of the SBIR award called Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding. This additional award offers up to $6,500 of additional funding in a Phase 1 SBIR to use for any additional commercialization assistance provided by an identified service provider. 
 

The TABA program is available for SBIR Phase I and Phase II awardees. This program is designed to help the awardee make better technical and business decisions, address and minimize business risks, and solve technical and business problems that may arise over the course of the SBIR project completion. 

The most recent Phase 1 solicitation was released at the beginning of this year. An important thing to keep in mind is that the NIST will only consider one application per applicant. What this means is that an applicant can apply to multiple of the available topic areas however, they cannot submit more than one application. The topic areas are outlined in the solicitation and NIST acknowledges that a technology can be useful for more than one. With this in mind, a single grant application can include a proposal for more than one of the focus areas but, the applicant cannot submit more than one official proposal. The solicitation window is open until May 22, 2023 at 11:59 EST. Each yearly solicitation focuses on different research areas. For 2023, the research focus areas are: 
<ul>
<li>Advanced Communications, Networking, and Scientific Data Systems </li>
<li>Advanced Manufacturing and Computer Measurements </li>
<li>Cybersecurity and Privacy </li>
<li>Fundamental Measurement, Quantum Science, and Measurement Dissemination </li>
<li>Health and Biological Systems Measurements </li>
<li>Physical Infrastructure and Resilience </li>
<li>Exploratory Measurement Science </li>
</ul>
You can read more about each specific focus topic on the official solicitation release here: <a href="https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347066 ">https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=347066 </a> 
 
Beyond these topics for 2023, NIST’s solicitations can also focus on: 
<ul><li>
Advanced communications 
</li><li>
Artificial Intelligence 
</li><li>
Bioscience 
</li><li>
Buildings and Construction 
</li><li>
Chemistry 
</li><li>
Climate 
</li><li>
Cybersecurity 
</li><li>
Electronics 
</li><li>
Energy 
</li><li>
Environment 
</li><li>
Fire 
</li><li>
Forensic Science 
</li><li>
Health 
</li><li>
Information technology 
</li><li>
Infrastructure 
</li><li>
Manufacturing 
</li><li>
Materials 
</li><li>
Mathematics and Statistics 
</li><li>
Metrology 
</li><li>
Nanotechnology 
</li><li>
Neutron Research 
</li><li>
Performance Excellence 
</li><li>
Physics 
</li><li>
Public Safety 
</li><li>
Resilience 
</li><li>
Standards 
</li><li>
Transportation 
</li>
</ul>
NIST has a large variety of labs and other facilities they use to conduct their own studies. They have the Communications Tech Laboratory, the Physical Measurement Lab, the Information Tech Lab, and many more. These labs can help the interested applicant gain a deeper understanding of NIST’s immense breadth of research. The NIST mission statement also helps give an idea of the interests of the agency. As outlined on the NIST website, “ [the mission of NIST] is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.” 
<h2>NIST Application Review Process </h2>
 When an SBIR application is first reviewed by NIST, there is an initial screening to gauge the responsiveness to the topics as well as to ensure the application has fulfilled all needed administrative requirements. Afterwards, NIST staff will look for the most promising technical and scientific approaches. Unlike other agencies, because NIST does not have a minimum required number of awards to offer, each application is given its own examination and will only receive funding if the agency sees promise in the proposed technology. 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21dalle20230401200332someonewritingansbirgrant_64305356a1435_22248045f7.png" style="width:100%; height:100%"></img> </div>

Many applications are rejected just after submission. The main reasons for this are: 
 
 
<ul><li>
Poor or no responsiveness to the topics 
</li><li>
Missing cover sheet 
</li><li>
Over the maximum award amount 
</li><li>
Missing budget narrative 
</li><li>
Missing proper registrations 
</li><li>
Missing data management plan 
</li><li>
Missing proposal 
</li></ul>

As one can see, the core reasons for rejection are simply failing to have a fully compiled application or not understanding the basic requirements/barriers. There are many available resources to help applicants meet this standard. In our own process here at TurboSBIR, our experts will thoroughly review every grant submitted through TurboSBIR to ensure that it meets the agency’s standards. Additionally, TurboSBIR has samples, templates, and guides in the software, as well as grant writing assistance available to those who sign up for the service. 
 

<h2>NIST SBIR Program </h2>
There are also many awardees that are available to research. One way to determine if NIST is the right fit for you is to explore previous awardees. Learning about the large scope of technologies the agency has funded can provide an understanding of whether or not your technology could fit. Additionally, TurboSBIR’s Funding Agency Selector can help give you a jumping off point by analyzing your company and matching it with possible SBIR/STTR agencies. Some companies that have received SBIR funding from the NIST can be found below. 
 

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/tpo/sbir-success-story-3dsim-llc">3DSIM, LLC </a>- A Composable Simulation Model for Metal Powder-bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Processes 
</li><li>
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/tpo/sbir-success-story-antara-teknik-llc">Antara Teknik LLC </a>- Cryptographic Acceleration for Border Gateway Protocol Security (CaBGPsec) 
</li><li>
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/tpo/sbir-success-story-artium-technologies">Artium Technologies </a>- High Sensitivity Laser-Induced Incandescence Instrument 
</li><li>
<a href="https://www.nist.gov/tpo/sbir-success-story-atometric">Atometric, Inc. </a>- Micro/Meso Scale Manufacturing 
</li>
</ul> 

References 

<a href="https://www.nist.gov/ "> https://www.nist.gov/ </a> 
<a href=" https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/individual-agency-requirements/NIST "> https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/individual-agency-requirements/NIST </a> 
<a href=" https://www.nist.gov/tpo/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir/resources/notice-funding-opportunity-nofo-faqs "> https://www.nist.gov/tpo/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir/resources/notice-funding-opportunity-nofo-faqs </a> 
<a href=" https://www.nist.gov/director/nist-organization-structure/budget-planning "> https://www.nist.gov/director/nist-organization-structure/budget-planning </a>



</article>

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. First founded in 1901, the agency was established by Congress to remove any barriers hindering the competitiveness of the U.S. industrial companies. The NIST has made huge impacts on the U.S. in regards to advanced innovation. In fact, NIST is known as one of the nation’s oldest physical science laboratories. . 

 

In modern day, the NIST SBIR program supports a variety of technologies, whether small scale or large scale. They have most recently funded infrastructure innovations like earthquake resistant skyscrapers and advanced microscope devices. Their funding scope stretches wide, allowing startups in a large variety of fields to be eligible for their grant opportunities. 

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All About the NIST and the 2023 Solicitation 

<article>

The Federal Government has been making efforts to support women owned small businesses over the last few years. The SBA (Small Business Association), the leader of SBIR/STTR grants, has a multitude of systems in place to support women owned businesses. This paired with a variety of other programs, such as the NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), creates a diverse and saturated grant field for female business owners. Additionally, there are organizations such as the NWBC (National Women’s Business Council) that work on influencing government policy. The SBIR/STTR program has been working with the NWBC to create subprograms that offer assistance and grant funding to WOSB. This article will cover the plethora of opportunities available today. <div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1_min_aebe2454b5.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> </div> 


<h2>Small Business Association (SBA) and Support Programs </h2>
The SBA established the Office of Women’s Business Ownership in 1988 to support women in overcoming barriers in the field of entrepreneurship. Today, there are centers in almost every state that provide training in finance, management, marketing, and the internet. The mission statement of this office, as outlined on the SBA website, is, “The Office of Women’s Business Ownership’s mission is to enable and empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education and support. Through the management and technical assistance provided by the WBCs, entrepreneurs, especially women who are economically or socially disadvantaged, are offered comprehensive training and counseling on a vast array of topics in many languages to help them start and grow their own businesses.” These centers can also help connect women with relevant SBIR/STTR program agencies, government funded equity free grant funding. Statistics reported in the SBA STTR/SBIR Annual Report show that the SBIR/STTR program funds many more underrepresented communities than venture capital. You can read more about the SBIR/STTR program here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir</a> and <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sttr-grant/ ">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sttr-grant/ </a> From 2005 – 2019, the SBIR/STTR program has increased funding for Women Owned Small Businesses from 5% to 13%, awarding more than 64 million dollars to these businesses in 2019 alone. In 2020 a study was conducted to analyze how the SBIR/STTR program has been supporting female business owners. This study was led by the NWBC (National Women’s Business Council) as well as the OII (U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Investment and Innovation). 
The NWBC is a non-partisan federal advisory committee which was created in order to serve as a source of advice and policy recommendations to Congress, the President, and the SBA. They advise on the importance of addressing economic issues that impact women business owners. In their report, they analyzed the trend of WOSB’s grant awards as well as the agencies that awarded the most to least amount of grant to WOSB. These efforts relate to a concerted effort on part of the United States government to increase participation of underrepresented groups, including women, in entrepreneurship and small business. Of course, given that the SBA’s STTR/SBIR program was established by congress with the intention of stimulating innovative R&D research. The SBA and NWBC recognize that it is of high importance to continue to uplift all small businesses owners, especially those being underrepresented. 
The NWBC’s study revealed multiple trends in women entrepreneurs’ access to SBIR/STTR funding. For instance, 




<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/WOSB_Breakdown_min_87fd2fce9f.PNG" style="width:100%; height:100%"></img> </div>
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/WO_Sb_min_7953f0acfa.PNG" style="width:100%; height:100%"></img><figcaption>Charts from the <a href="https://www.nwbc.gov/">https://www.nwbc.gov/</a> website</figcaption> </div> 

Additionally, the organization was able to identify that the two agencies with the highest overall engagement with unique WOBs are the NSF (National Science Foundation) at 22.5% and the ED (Department of Education) at 40% in 2018. 
One thing that was noted was that the NSF has maintained a consistent trend of awarding funding to more WOSB from 2011 to 2018. They have been making an effort to uplift women in the field of science and engineering. Some SBIR/STTR agencies also have their own support programs designed to increase the diversity of business owners in the field. The NIH (National Institute of Health) provides diversity supplement funding. This program is meant to support underrepresented groups in health-related research areas. 

The report not only looked at business owners but also Principal Investigators on the project proposals. What they found was that 87% of PIs were male and only 13% were female. What the report concluded was that while the amount of funding awarded to WOSB was below the goal of the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), it is within range with a promising upwards trend. 

In 2021, the SBIR/STTR program continued to make efforts to support underserved communities. They moved to push a newer program called the FAST (Federal and State Technology) Partnership Program with the goal of increasing participation from women owned, rural based, and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses. FAST had been first established in 2001 yet when it expired in 2005 it was not reestablished until 2010. Since it was reestablished, it has been successful in supporting small businesses. This program is included in the SBIR program and is designed as a support through the program. The SBA administrator, Isabella Guzman, spoke about the FAST program, “As President Biden often says, great ideas come from anywhere and everywhere. Supporting all our nation’s innovative startups and increasing equitable access to federal research funding is a priority for the SBA, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will build a stronger future for all of us.” The FAST program has been a support for all underrepresented groups and has been successful in uplifting these groups such as WOSB. 











<h2>Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources</h2> 
<h3>National Association of Women Business Owners </h3>
The NAWBO is one of the entrepreneurial support organizations that focuses on women owned businesses. Founded in 1975, the organization is often regarded as a leader in the space, describing itself as “...the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; with chapters across the country. With far-reaching clout and impact, NAWBO is a one-stop resource which propels women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.” Since it was established, the organization has supported over 11.6 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. Their mission focuses on strengthening the wealth creating capacity of all of their partners, creating change in business culture, building effective connections, and changing public policy. They boast that 68% of businesses owned by members are larger than the average women owned business in regards to employees. You can read more about this organization and learn how to take part here: <a href="https://www.nawbo.org/membership">https://www.nawbo.org/membership</a> 
 
<h3>Local Funding Opportunities </h3>
 In addition to SBIR/STTR funding and NAWBC-related support, there are a multitude of individual grants targeted at WOSBs. There are opportunities branching from local nonprofits, VCs or local government organizations. However, more specifically, the women and minority business organization has a list of grant opportunities that are updated daily. Some of these opportunities include, Statewide California MWBE Assistance Programs and SoCal grant programs. The list identifies programs such as San Diego Women’s Foundation with ongoing grants and support services, California Farmlink which provides assistance programs to women owned businesses, and links to different women’s centers. 


 It is important to explore all available resources and opportunities. While the first step is identifying promising and relevant opportunities, the second step of applying is just as imperative. TurboSBIR has been a leading company is providing these supports. Our artificial intelligence will help support you from the beginning stages of grant searching. After identifying a grant, there are many supports available that can aid startups and small business owners through the process of applying. We provide many different levels depending on the need of the company ranging from samples and templates all the way to fully hands-on grant writing assistance. You can learn more about the company here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/">https://www.turbosbir.com/</a> 


References 

<a href="https://www.nwbc.gov/2020/08/12/womens-inclusion-in-small-business-innovation-research-small-business-technology-transfer-programs/ ">https://www.nwbc.gov/2020/08/12/womens-inclusion-in-small-business-innovation-research-small-business-technology-transfer-programs/ </a>
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/node/1709601 ">https://www.sbir.gov/node/1709601 </a>
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/node/2071253 ">https://www.sbir.gov/node/2071253 </a>
<a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/sbir/supporting-entrepreneurs-from-diverse-backgrounds ">https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/sbir/supporting-entrepreneurs-from-diverse-backgrounds </a>
<a href="https://www.womenandminoritybusiness.org/california-grants-and-loans-for-minority-and-women-owned-businesses/ ">https://www.womenandminoritybusiness.org/california-grants-and-loans-for-minority-and-women-owned-businesses/ </a>
<a href="https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-womens-business-ownership ">https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-womens-business-ownership </a>
<a href="https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program ">https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program </a>
<a href="https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/women-owned-businesses ">https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/women-owned-businesses </a>
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf ">https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf </a>
<a href="https://www.nawbo.org/membership ">https://www.nawbo.org/membership </a>
<a href="https://www.nwbc.gov/ ">https://www.nwbc.gov/ </a>





</article>

The Federal Government has been making efforts to support women owned small businesses over the last few years. The SBA (Small Business Association), the leader of SBIR/STTR grants, has a multitude of systems in place to support women owned businesses. This, paired with a variety of other programs, such as the NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), creates a diverse and saturated grant field for female business owners. 

Additionally, there are organizations such as the NWBC (National Women’s Business Council) that work on influencing government policy. The SBIR/STTR program has been working with the NWBC to create subprograms that offer assistance and grant funding to WOSB. This article will cover the plethora of opportunities available today. 

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Women Owned Small Business Grant Opportunities 

<article>

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is one of 11 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program agencies. The SBIR program was first developed in order to fund small businesses with research and development (R&D) that aligns with the needs of federal R&D research. To read more about the SBIR program as a whole click here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/</a> . For decades the DOT’s SBIR program has been managed by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center. The DOT only releases solicitations once a year and has one of the smallest SBIR budgets out of the 11 agencies making it highly competitive for applicants. <div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21sttrprogramsummary_63ffb3cdebdb2_c2c72b3c38.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> </div> 


<h2>DOT SBIR Registrations </h2>
Before any promising applicant can submit an SBIR application to any agency there are a handful of registrations that must be completed. The DOT focuses heavily on the SBA Company Registry and the System for Award Management (SAM) registration. The SAM registration must be completed at least 6 weeks before applying to an SBIR agency in order to account for sufficient processing time (although at times it can take longer or be quicker, depending on the company's specific corporate situation). 

You can learn more about ALL SBIR and STTR required registrations here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/</a> 
 

<h2>About the DOT </h2>
In 1970 the Department of Transportation had established the Volpe National Transportation center. According to the DOT SBIR website the purpose of the Volpe Center is to, “...provide world-renowned, multidisciplinary, multimodal transportation expertise on behalf of U.S. DOT’s operating administrations, the Office of the Secretary, and other federal agencies, state and local governments, academia, and industry.” This agency is 100% funded by sponsored projects. These investments allow the agency to assess up and coming research and development projects, aid in deploying innovative transportation technologies, and help the decision making and policy making process for transportation efforts through intense and comprehensive analyses. In order to fulfill these efforts the Volpe Center also leads the DOT’s SBIR program. The Department of Transportation has many different focus areas that can be included on their annual open solicitations. The DOT’s operating administrations release topics for the solicitations. The FY19 included six OAs: Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration. 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21fundingchart_6407b8a0b2de7_506f040ea4.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> </div> 

When a solicitation period opens and becomes available for review, all applicants will have access to reviewing which topics are open. It is imperative that when writing a proposal for the DOT that the proposal align with one of the available OA’s topics. In the most recent solicitation for FY23 the available OA topics were: 
The Federal Highway Administration with topics that focus on addressing stormwater runoff with self-contained portable treatment systems. 

The Federal Railroad Administration with topics that focus on concrete crosstie inspection technology as well as novel design for passenger railcar glazing securement. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that focuses on child presence detection CO2 release test devices. 

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration that focuses on bioremediation for hazardous spills as well as portable state of charge sensors for lithium batteries. 

These focuses were outlined in the DOT FY23 Open Solicitation here:<a href=" https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-with-us/small-business-innovation-research/23-solicitation-open"> https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-with-us/small-business-innovation-research/23-solicitation-open </a> 
An essential piece of information to keep in mind when considering applying to the DOT is that the DOT does not award grants but rather contracts. Some key differences are that contracts come with a clear process outline that establishes required deliverables and often has a built-in customer (the agency) once the project has been fully commercialized. You can learn more about the differences between grants and contracts here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/the-difference-between-grants-and-contracts-and-why-it-s-important-to-know/</a> 

These contracts award up to $150,000 for Phase I awards. Small businesses can apply for multiple Phase I awards however they must be for different topics and the $150,000 is the cap award amount, meaning that the agency can award less depending on how the evaluated the overall financial need. The Phase I contracts are referred to as the idea-stage and the evaluation focuses on the technical merit and feasibility of the idea. The DOT is specifically looking to support innovative ideas that demonstrate a large promise to improve the safety, sustainability, and resilience of the U.S. transportation assets. The most recent DOT solicitation outlined the evaluation criteria as follows: 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21dotphase1evaluationrequirments_6407b8a32a3af_6fbfe6abbe.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> <figcaption><a href="https://www.volpe.dot.gov/sites/volpe.dot.gov/files/2023-02/DOT%20SBIR%20FY23%20Solicitation_1.pdf ">https://www.volpe.dot.gov/sites/volpe.dot.gov/files/2023-02/DOT%20SBIR%20FY23%20Solicitation_1.pdf <a/></figcaption> </div>
These solicitations open around the beginning of the year, every year, and are only available for a single month. It is important to track these solicitations if you wish to have the opportunity to apply to these programs. TurboSBIR has an easy way to track solicitations and topics on its search engines, as well as its agency-specific 4Startups programs emails.

<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><button onclick="location.href='https://app.turbosbir.com/search '" type="button" style="background-color:#F15A24; font-size:17px; border-radius:2rem; padding:1rem 2rem 1rem 2rem; color:white; text-decoration:none; margin-top:2rem;">SIGN UP HERE</button></div> 

<h2>Success Stories</h2>
In 2022 the DOT awarded a handful of Phase I awards. The DOT has been known to invest in remarkable technologies such as the ones that help avoid collisions on highways. Some startups that most recently received awards are: 
Reduction of Transit BusCollisions (tranalyrics, LLC <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259467)">https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259467)</a> 
This company proposed a product that would help analyze bus crash reports as well as available crash data via LiDAR to help develop safety strategies to lower bus collisions and, as a result, fatalities. They proposed creating a machine learning technology that would be able to extract data and determine the most critical factors behind the crashes. 


AI Video Analysis of Dilemma Zone and Other Conflicts at Signal Controlled Intersections (Aiwaysion Inc. <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259455">https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259455</a> and Innovative AI Technologies LLC <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259459)">https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259459) </a>
 
These two companies proposed different products that would each help solve the issues of crashes at intersections and “dilemma zones”. Each company proposed their own version of an innovative AI system. These systems would help analyze areas that have frequent collisions and would be able to better compile these crash analytics for review. 

Connecting Individuals in “Food Deserts” to Healthy Foods (SPLUSM LLC <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259471">https://www.sbir.gov/node/2259471)</a> 

Unlike the two aforementioned topics, this company focused on effective transportation to areas experiencing food insecurity. Their proposal was to develop a digital system that would be compatible with preexisting transit programs that would allow users to have access to learning about healthy foods, shop online, and evaluate their nutrition levels. 

 
You can read more about DOT’s past awardees here: <a href="https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-with-us/small-business-innovation-research/past-solicitations-and-awards">https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-with-us/small-business-innovation-research/past-solicitations-and-awards </a>

 
Learn how TurboSBIR can help you win a DOT SBIR contract! 


<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><button onclick="location.href='https://calendly.com/turbosbir/exploratory-call'" type="button" style="background-color:#F15A24; font-size:17px; border-radius:2rem; padding:1rem 2rem 1rem 2rem; color:white; text-decoration:none; margin-top:2rem;">SIGN UP HERE</button></div>

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is one of 11 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program agencies. The SBIR program was first developed in order to fund small businesses with research and development (R&D) that aligns with the needs of federal R&D research. The DOT only releases solicitations once a year and has one of the smallest SBIR budgets out of the 11 agencies making it highly competitive for applicants. 

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Department of Transportation Solicitation 

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In order to encourage innovative and groundbreaking research and development, R&D, the SBA, Small Business Association, established a small business funding program. This program would fund startups’ creative R&D just entering the idea stage. The funding offered would be among the most competitive as it is equity-free, non-dilutive government funding. They took two routes when determining how best to provide funding, the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program and the STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) program. Only five of the eleven total SBIR agencies also partake in the STTR program. If you are looking to apply for an STTR grant, the following blog is designed to cover all pertinent information needed before beginning that application process. 
<h2>The History of the STTR Program </h2>
The Small Business Technology Transfer program was first established in the 1990s, ten years after its sister program, the SBIR program. The proposed purpose to Congress was that these programs would increase innovative government research and development across a variety of topics and fields. The introduction of the STTR program was to stimulate collaboration between university/private research institutions and the federal government to commercialize creative and impactful ideas. 
Both programs were extended in both 2016 and 2022. In 2016 the program was extended through September 30, 2022 by the National Defense Authorization Act. Most recently, in 2022, the program was extended again under new Department of Defense regulations. 
What makes the STTR program unique is that it offers developing businesses equity-free, non-dilutive government funding. There are five participating STTR agencies all with a unique focus topic that startups can explore to find their best fit. Each agency has their own solicitation, application requirements, and application process. Additionally, the process for which funding is provided to the agency’s STTR program is via the existing size of their own research and development (R&D) budget. The STTR program requires that a small percentage of this funding, 1.5%-3.2% on average, is set aside for their SBIR and/or STTR program. As of the most recent SBIR/STTR Annual Report, the STTR program has 429 million dollars of funding available, 82% of this award amount being offered by the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services. 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21sttrprogramsummary_63ffb3cdebdb2_c2c72b3c38.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> </div> 

<h2>The History of the STTR Program </h2>
Before applying for an SBIR or an STTR there are certain eligibility requirements your company must meet. They are clearly outlined on the SBIR government website however a brief synopsis is provided below. It is important to keep in mind that while many requirements between the SBIR and STTR programs overlap, there are significant differences. 


<ol><li>Both SBIR/STTR: Your company must be a for-profit business located mostly within the U.S. There are some special cases that allow businesses not based in the U.S. to still be eligible as long as the business makes significant contributions to the US economy through any of the following: taxes or use American products, materials, or labor. In these instances, it is important to research further independently since these cases are less common. </li>
<li>Both SBIR/STTR: More than 50% of the business is owned and controlled by at least one individual who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. If you as an owner do not fulfill this requirement yet still wish to apply to an SBIR/STTR, consider gaining citizenship, establishing permanent residency, or finding a partner. You can read more about the eligibility details here: <a href="https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/html5/section_18/18.5.2_eligibility.htm">https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/html5/section_18/18.5.2_eligibility.htm</a></li>
<li>Both SBIR/STTR: In order to be considered a “small business”, your company cannot have more than 500 employees, including affiliated. </li>
<li>STTR Only: Specifically, for an STTR grant, the business must be partnered with a nonprofit research institution. This institution must also be located in the U.S. and can be any of the following: A nonprofit university, a nonprofit research organization, or a federally funded research and development center. <ul><li>Additionally, the business is required to establish an IP agreement between itself and the partnering institution. This is imperative because the research institution must perform at least 30% of the R&D, which can lead to IP disputes over the collaborated product. The STTR program give the startup the option to have RI OR the startup be the primary employer of the Principal Investigator on the R&D. </li></ul> </li>
</ol> 


 You should next determine which grant program is best for you. SBIRs and STTRs are the two largest government grant funding programs that have many overlapping similarities. Despite these similarities there are a handful of key differences between the programs: 
<ul>
<li>The first is that the STTR program requires that the small business/startup work with a non-profit research institution (RI), typically a university or academic or Federal lab </li>
<li>The second key difference is that the STTR program requires that any technology/product developed at the RI be transferred to the small business/startup. </li>
<li>The SBIR program has 11 participating agencies while the STTR program has 5. </li>
<li>STTR requires that the small business do a minimum of 40% of the work and that the RI completes a minimum of 30% on a Phase I project. Alternatively, an SBIR Phase I requires the small business to complete a minimum of two-thirds of the work and is given the option to subcontract one-third to any entity, including an RI. </li>
</ul>

 When considering an STTR grant, keep in mind that in the following situations it would be a better choice for you and your R&D: 
<ul>

<li>Agencies put a large amount of weight onto the experience, capabilities, and background of those on your team. An STTR grant would require that your business collaborates with an established research institution allowing you to bring in qualified and experienced team members making your proposal significantly more competitive. The SBIR program only allows one-third of the research be subcontracted while the STTR program allows up to 60% of the work be subcontracted. </li>
<li>The STTR program is often described as a “collaboration” between two partners (the small business and nonprofit RI). It is important to remember the award and overall control of the technology/project goes to the small business. </li>
</ul>
 


<h2>The STTR Process </h2>
Both the SBIR and STTR program is a three-phase highly competitive program. With a portion of it’s R&D funding being reserved for awards, many agencies can grant more awards with higher amounts however generally they follow the following award process: 

Phase I (Feasibility) This is the first step in the STTR award process and is suggested as the starting point for startups first applying for STTR grants. It has the lowest bar of requirements, focusing on the scientific, technical, and commercial feasibility of the proposed idea or technology. Generally the awards are up to one year with award amounts up to $150,000.
Phase II (Prototyping) There are some agencies that offer a “direct to Phase II” grant proposal option for businesses farther along in the idea or technology; however, generally, a Phase II grant is the second step in the STTR application process. At this stage the agency will consider the idea and technology commercialization potential. The award period can be up to 2 years with a cap of $1,000,000.
Phase III (Commercialization) This is the final stage in the STTR application process. At this stage the product moves from the research institution to the marketplace. This phase is not funded from the STTR funding since at this stage the startup is meant to have found final beneficiaries of the technology. These beneficiaries can include outside customers, investors, government agencies not funded by the STTR program, etc. Typically when a startup reaches this stage they have established an organization within the applied agency as their consumer. 
Participating Agencies <a href="https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/">Department of Defense (DoD)</a> - The DoD has both STTR and SBIR awards available. Their STTR program has the largest award budget due to having the largest amount of R&D funding. Their most recent fundinf statstics are outlined in a graphic below: <div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21dodawardees_63ffb3cc97007_42e2a41521.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> <figcaption>https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Program/</figcaption> </div> 

<a href="https://sbir.nasa.gov/content/nasa-sbirsttr-basics#sttr">NASA</a> - The NASA STTR program is an off-shoot of the Air Force. They have a well-developed STTR program that focuses on innovative technologies that can contribute to space exploration. The NASA SBIR/STTR website outlines their general process as well as unique additional grant opportunities with the graphic displayed below: <div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21nasasbirsttrphases_63ffb3cb35e48_d644e6d5dc.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> </div>

<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation </a> - The purpose of this agency’s STTR program is to fund innovative ideas and technologies that can make a positive impact worldwide. They fund startups that have focuses ranging from AI to environmental bio tech. Their solicitation topics offer a large variety of focus topics for a startup to choose from. 



<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/grants/small-business-programs/innovative-research-programs/index.html">Health and Human Services </a> - This HHS has multiple subagencies with the second largest funding pool. They have agencies like the National Institutes of Health as well as the Food and Drug Administration. This also allows startups to explore many different focus areas that their technology or idea could best serve. 


<a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/sbir/small-business-innovation-research-and-small-business-technology-transfer">Department of Energy </a> - This is one of the smaller STTR agencies however they are just as competitive. Their solicitations can span about 250 subtopics from Energy use, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, and Enviromental Management. 


References 
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf">https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf</a>






</article>

In order to encourage innovative and groundbreaking research and development, R&D, the SBA, Small Business Association, established a small business funding program. This program would fund startups creative R&D just entering the idea stage. The funding offered would be among the most competitive as it is equity free, non-dilutive government funding. They took two routes when determining how best to provide funding, the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program and the STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) program. Only 5 of the 11 total SBIR agencies also partake in the STTR program. If you are looking to apply for an STTR grant, the following blog is designed to cover all pertinent information needed before beginning that application process. 

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What is an STTR Grant

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<h2>In Preparation </h2> 
<h3>Business Valuation</h3>
There are certain steps that must be taken before approaching a VC. The most essential one is calculating the value of your business. The valuation of your business and the size of funding from the VC firm are tied closely together. This is because the most common way a venture capitalist invests in a company is taking a percentage of the company in exchange for their financial support. What this means for you is that the higher the valuation of your company is, the more money a VC may invest. There are a multitude of ways to conduct a business financial evaluation. Often the VC will have their own method of doing so before investing officially however you can give a general idea by compiling your own data and numbers. A helpful article on how to do so can be found <a href="https://www.westernsouthern.com/learn/financial-calculators/business-valuation-calculator#:~:text=The%20formula%20is%20quite%20simple,out%20to%20purchase%20capital%20equipment.">here</a>.  
One thing to keep in mind is that a VC may consider your business valuation entirely irrelevant once entering negotiations. The true worth of a business varies depending on the business and the industry. When making a final investment decision, VCs will put most of the weight of the decision on how old the company is, speed of growth, revenue, patents, and the customer base. 

<h3>Needed Funding</h3>
After evaluating your business the next step before meeting with VCs is to gauge the amount of funding you require. Venture Capitalists invest in companies by, most commonly, taking equity in exchange for capital. Depending on the valuation of your business VCs may be favorable towards your financial needs.  
The most effective way to prepare is to develop multiple plans that vary depending on the amount of money you can raise. Create a plan based off of the minimum investment that would significantly impact your company’s growth. Refer to this as your “basic” plan. From this base point, have a strategy for situations where you do not raise as much funding or raise more than expected. Have an idea of what you would do in these situations and how your business will be impacted.    
The amount of money you can raise is influenced most by the valuation of your business, the current stage of your business, and how much you are willing to give in exchange for capital. 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2microsoftteamsimage1_63f6b243e953f_min_d675e4407a.jpeg" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> </div> 

<h3>Picking the Best VC </h3>
A common misconception is that the most effective way to get VC funding is reaching out to as many VCs as possible. The correct strategy is researching possible Venture Capitalists and determining which ones would best fit you and your company. It is important to investigate what kind of startups they have previously partnered with and invested in. Examine their goals and mission to see how it aligns with your company. What industry does this VC most often invest in? These are all things to consider when attempting to discover a VC to reach out to.  
After developing a list of VCs you wish to pursue, the next step is to begin setting up meetings. One thing to also keep in mind is VCs are more likely to follow up with you and your startup if there is a mutual connection however you can send compelling cold emails to these VC Firms.   


<h2>Proposal </h2> 
<h3>Project Pitch</h3>
While setting up meetings or preparing for your first one you need to create a Project Pitch. What this pitch will do is communicate everything a possible investor is looking to know in a short digestible manner. There are a multitude of pitch deck templates and articles that focus on tips and tricks however they all have consistent suggestions throughout. The general consensus of what your pitch deck should communicate is: 

Describe your product:
 What do you do? What problem does your idea solve? Answering these questions gives the investor an idea of how profitable your idea will be. The more innovative and useful, the more likely VCs are to invest. Use this pitch to tell investors exactly why your product is needed and impactful. 

Your Market:
Who are your competitors? How are you different? How large is your market? How many customers could you reach? How many customers could you reasonably serve now? What is the potential growth of this market? Answering these questions can help give an investor a long term idea of how your business can grow and develop and what possible obstacles it may encounter. 

Your Company: 
Who is on your team? How long have you been around? What has your growth looked like? What is your current revenue? What are your projected financials? It is incredibly important that you communicate who you are. Investors want to know about the company they are investing in but also who they are investing in. Outline your current company status and give accurate future projections with reliable data and calculations.  

<h3>VC Term Sheet </h3>
The dictionary defines a term sheet as, “A non-binding listing of preliminary terms for venture capital financing.”  CB Insights refers to it as “the first real piece of paper a founder sees from a VC when they decide that they’re interested in investing.”  
Become a term sheet expert. Understand exactly what the term sheet is saying and do not be afraid to negotiate. The term sheet is not a binding agreement or an official promise of investment. It is the first real step in the process of communicating with a VC. 
The term sheet will have a funding section that will communicate how much the firm is willing to invest and what they are looking for in return. VCs may outline what they would like in return. The corporate governance section will detail what the distribution of power between you, the founder(s), and the investor would look like. It can be via equity, board seats, liquidation preferences, etc. When working with VCs you need to understand they will be looking for a certain level of control in the company. Having multiple VC options and engaging in fair good faith negotiations can give you the best deal.  

<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21microsoftteamsimage_63f6b23cddda5_4e0f03ef35.jpeg" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> </div> 

<h3>Due Diligence and Closing the Deal </h3>
If you found the perfect VC and negotiated on a term sheet that meets the needs of both parties, the next step is due diligence. You can prepare for this in advance to streamline the process more efficiently by understanding what questions the VC will need answered. The types of questions you should be prepared to answer are regarding: the market, your competition, your team, company culture, marketing plans, current customers, patents, etc.  

You can make the due diligence process easier, especially if you are communicating with multiple VCs, by keeping a data tracking system that tells you what you have sent and to who. You can research in advance what the VC firm needs during this stage and pre-prepare. All of this can move the process forward so you can close a deal much faster 

The final step is closing the deal. If everything goes well the investor will provide you with a final deal that you can sign. It will be very detailed with information about the investment agreement, stockholder agreements, employment agreements, etc.  

<h3>Bottom Line </h3>
Venture Capital funding is a long and strenuous process. It is not a route for every company however the right VC can accelerate the growth of your company exponentially. VCs often also come with helpful contacts and resources that can teach you valuable business skills and help you find collaborators and customers. It is essential that you properly prepare for the process if this is a funding route you wish to take so you can get the best deal possible 


References 
<a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/business-strategy/how-to-get-vc-funding.shtml">https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/business-strategy/how-to-get-vc-funding.shtml</a> 

<a href="https://fitsmallbusiness.com/how-to-raise-venture-capital-funding/">https://fitsmallbusiness.com/how-to-raise-venture-capital-funding/</a> 
<a href="https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business">https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business</a> 
<a href="https://learn.marsdd.com/article/securing-investment-institutional-venture-capital-vc-term-sheets/#:~:text=A%20venture%20capital%20(VC)%20term,how%20to%20manage%20the%20process">https://learn.marsdd.com/article/securing-investment-institutional-venture-capital-vc-term-sheets/#:~:text=A%20venture%20capital%20(VC)%20term,how%20to%20manage%20the%20process</a> 








</article>

When starting a business, entrepreneurs' greatest obstacle is funding. Many great ideas fail to be developed due to insufficient financial backing. While there are many different routes a small business can take on their (its) search for funding, one of the more common methods are working with a Venture Capital Firm or VC Firm. This process can take a notable amount of time and there are many hurdles to overcome so this blog will cover the traditional steps taken and helpful tips and tricks. 

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MicrosoftTeams-image (3).png

How to Raise VC Funding 

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Before even beginning the SBIR or STTR grant application process, there are eligibility requirements that must be met. The most important ones include: 
<ol>
<li>Being a for-profit organization with a place of business within the United States. Must also be based primarily within the U.S. </li>
<li>Must have less than 50 percent participation by a foreign business entity. </li>
<li>Must be more than 50% directly owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States and for most agencies, less than 50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these (some agencies allow majority VC-owned startups). </li>
<li>Must have no more than 500 employees. </li>
</ol>
However even with the eligibility requirements being met, there are additional requirements established by the SBIR/STTR solicitations before submitting the desired grant proposal. One of the requirements that most small businesses get stuck on is appointing/obtaining a Principal Investigator (PI). This blog post will answer the most common questions small businesses have regarding PIs. 


<h2>What is a Principal Investigator?</h2>

A principal investigator or PI is an individual assigned to an SBIR/STTR proposal by the applicant organization as the leader of the project. A PI is usually a technical expert in the field and knowledgeable enough to lead all aspects of the proposed R&D effort. When a PI is assigned, it means that the applicant organization has decided he/she has the required level of authority and responsibility to lead the proposed project supported by the award. 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21screenshot20230109at13601pm_63bc88d24aa5c_00ffa9648a.png" style="width:100%; height:100%"></img> </div> 
<h2>Who Can Serve as a Principal Investigator? </h2>

A PI most often has to be majority employed by the small business at the time of the award. As such it is usually best practice for a startup’s CTO or CSO to serve as the PI. But at times startups also bring in external individuals to supplement the technical gap with the goal of bringing the person on payroll majority time upon winning the award. 


It is important to find someone who is credible not just in terms of education but also work and project management experience. A PhD is not required in order to serve as a PI. While it helps to support the individual's expertise, it is by no means a requirement. The PI also does not need to be a US citizen, however they must be legally residing and have the appropriate right to work for the organization within the United States. There are different expectations for PIs depending on whether or not the proposal is an SBIR or STTR. 


For SBIR proposals the PI must be considered “primarily employed” by the small business during the SBIR award period. One thing to keep in mind is that not all agencies have the same definition of “primarily employed” but one thing they do all agree on is that the PI cannot be considered a full time employee elsewhere. It is essential to carefully read the solicitation posted by the agency or get in contact with an expert in the field. It may also be helpful to refer to expert consultants who routinely support small businesses through SBIR/STTR applications. If you have the desire to hire a PI that is employed at a university or other research institution, some positions can allow the individual to take a leave of absence or more than 50% employment by the small business until the SBIR process has been completed. 


For STTR proposals requirements for PIs are a little laxer, and some agencies do allow the PI to remain primarily employed at a university that is subcontracted by the small business. In either case, the PI must still have a formal role with the small business. The requirements of an STTR also state that the research institution must provide at least 30% of the needed research effort and only 60% of this effort can be subcontracted via an STTR award. This means the other 40% must be provided by the small business. While the STTR PI requirements set a lower bar, it is important to consider who will own the PI if the research institution completes between 30-60% of the research. It is recommended to speak to the research institution and discuss what is to happen if this scenario were to occur before beginning the STTR process. 

<h2>Where Can I Find a Good PI? </h2>

There are many different routes one can take to find a qualified PI. The startup should first look internally within its own technical team to find a suitable candidate. If not available, an expert at a nearby university might be worth researching. Universities and research institutions often list their research staff on their websites, including their contact information. It can also be helpful to get into contact with SBIR/STTR application experts, who have connections with PIs as well as the SBIR/STTR agencies. We at TurboSBIR have successfully helped startups determine the most appropriate PI for their projects, as well as paired startups with suitable researchers to help them win SBIR/STTR applications across several agencies. 


 References 
<a href="https://www.neiu.edu/academics/research-resources/office-of-research-and-sponsored-projects/responsibilities-of-principal-investigator-grant#:~:text=A%20Program%20Director%2FPrincipal%20Investigator,the%20project%2C%20intellectually%20and%20logistically">https://www.neiu.edu/academics/research-resources/office-of-research-and-sponsored-projects/responsibilities-of-principal-investigator-grant#:~:text=A%20Program%20Director%2FPrincipal%20Investigator,the%20project%2C%20intellectually%20and%20logistically</a> 

<a href="https://www.neiu.edu/academics/research-resources/office-of-research-and-sponsored-projects/responsibilities-of-principal-investigator-grant#:~:text=A%20Program%20Director%2FPrincipal%20Investigator,the%20project%2C%20intellectually%20and%20logistically">https://www.neiu.edu/academics/research-resources/office-of-research-and-sponsored-projects/responsibilities-of-principal-investigator-grant#:~:text=A%20Program%20Director%2FPrincipal%20Investigator,the%20project%2C%20intellectually%20and%20logistically</a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/program-basics/tutorial-2">https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/program-basics/tutorial-2</a> 

<a href="https://science.osti.gov/SBIRLearning/FAQs/Tutorial-15">https://science.osti.gov/SBIRLearning/FAQs/Tutorial-15</a> 

<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2017/nsf17029/nsf17029.jsp#q33">https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2017/nsf17029/nsf17029.jsp#q33</a> 

<a href="https://seed.nih.gov/faqs">https://seed.nih.gov/faqs</a> 

<a href="https://www.washington.edu/research/faq/whats-difference-pipd-multiple-pi-co-pi-co-investigator-application-pi/">https://www.washington.edu/research/faq/whats-difference-pipd-multiple-pi-co-pi-co-investigator-application-pi/</a> 

<a href="https://icahn.mssm.edu/files/ISMMS/Assets/Research/GCO/SBIR-STTR.pdf">https://icahn.mssm.edu/files/ISMMS/Assets/Research/GCO/SBIR-STTR.pdf</a> 





</article>

Before even beginning the SBIR or STTR grant application process, there are eligibility requirements that must be met. The most important ones include:  
1. Being a for-profit organization with a place of business within the United States. Must also be based primarily within the U.S.  
2. Must have less than 50 percent participation by a foreign business entity.  
3. Must be more than 50% directly owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States and for most agencies, less than 50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these (some agencies allow majority VC-owned startups).  
4. Must have no more than 500 employees.  

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Understanding the Role of a Principal Investigator: Why they are important and Who They Are 

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<h2>About the SBIR and STTR Programs </h2>
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was first established by congress in 1982 with the intention of increasing the participation of small businesses in government funded research and development of projects/products. Soon after, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program was established to facilitate the commercialization of non-profit and university research. These programs require that all government agencies with extramural R&D budgets set aside a percentage to finance their own agency-run SBIR/STTR program. Both of these programs were reapproved by congress in 2021 with 11 participating SBIR agencies and 5 participating STTR agencies. Each agency has their own unique focus topic and solicitation topics that follow their own unique publishing cycle. For example, the National Institutes of Health uses their SBIR budget to fund startups that offer innovative ideas and solutions that advance public health or science. Agencies like the Department of Defense award their research funding to companies that can advance and support their government specific goals. 

<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21screenshot_20230107_105624_63bc849e1cf7b_d6817cfee9.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> <figcaption> <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/agencies-landing "> https://www.sbir.gov/agencies-landing </a></figcaption> </div>

<h2>Grants & Contracts </h2>
SBIR and STTR funding is awarded via grants or contracts. Understanding the difference between the awards before you apply is just as essential as understanding the differences between all of the government agencies. Agencies that offer grants will often push out general research topics and allow company principal investigators (PIs) and the small business to pitch their ideas for how they can help these agencies achieve their goals/mission. Agencies that offer contracts are looking to have specific needs met and are only looking for products that aim to support these specific needs. With all of this in mind the question still remains, what are the differences between grants and contracts? * Principal Investigator: Is a member of the grant project team that is responsible for the reporting and management of the research product. 
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Solicitation Topics 

As previously mentioned, when agencies publish their solicitation topics, they can be open, general, or very specific. It is easy to identify what could be an agency that awards grants over contracts by looking at how specific the solicitation topic is. Agencies that award grants are looking to federally fund innovative research and development for private and public institutions and they do so by allowing small businesses to pitch their ideas to the applicable agency. Agencies that offer contracts have very specific solicitation topics because they are looking to satisfy specific needs. Small businesses that wish to be awarded a contract must be able to pitch an innovative product that can meet these specific needs. By contracting with an agency it means you signed a legally binding agreement to provide a product or service that satisfies the needs of the relevant agency. 

Rigidity 

Grants often allow the small business and PI to work on completing their R&D at their own pace. There is no rigid timeline that must be followed after being awarded grant funding. While in your budget, which is a part of your grant proposal, you must explicitly outline where the funding will be allocated, there is no specific product/project timeline written out and agreed to by the agency. Contracts however, do follow a more rigid timeline. Contracts are legally binding agreements between the agency and the small business. They are not nearly as flexible as grants and they explicitly outline what deliverable is expected and when. 

Consumer/Customer 

After being awarded a grant, the small business is expected to develop their R&D and/or push their product into the commercialization stage and explore possible consumer/customer options. Rarely, small businesses may be able to find a consumer through working with the agency that awarded them their grant. Small businesses that are awarded a contract already have an indication that the agency might be one of their consumers. The contract outlines that the product is to be provided to the awarding agency in a particular format. Contracts are also known to be awarded to startups who are conducting classified R&D for the agency contracted with them. The work funded by the agency in this regard is meant to be done for the agency and is required to be provided to the agency with SBIR data rights of use. 

<h2> 
Why is it Important to Understand the Difference? 
 </h2>
The type of award given can significantly affect the reporting requirements of the small business. It also impacts how complex the financial system will be and who the consumer base is meant to be. While exploring the many different government agencies alongside their unique SBIR/STTR programs, it is important to consider whether they provide grants or contracts. Looking at the many options and examining how your small business can best be supported and best support the agency, can help paint a clear picture of what funding route is best for you. 
The type of award given can significantly affect the reporting requirements of the small business. It also impacts how complex the financial system will be and who the consumer base is meant to be. While exploring the many different government agencies alongside their unique SBIR/STTR programs, it is important to consider whether they provide grants or contracts. Looking at the many options and examining how your small business can best be supported and best support the agency, can help paint a clear picture of what funding route is best for you. 


References 
<a href="https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43695">https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43695</a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/program-basics/tutorial-6">https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/program-basics/tutorial-6</a> 







</article>

Understanding the difference between a grant and contract when looking to apply to any of the SBIR or STTR programs is essential. It can greatly influence many different business decisions and can possibly require additional resources such as team members depending on the award type and agency. There are many factors to consider when selecting a funding opportunity and one of the first things is whether or not a grant or contract works best for you and your small business.

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The Difference Between Grants and Contracts and Why It’s Important to Know 

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Before Exploring Funding Opportunities 
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Beginning at the idea stage, it is essential to develop a detailed business plan as well as a clear and comprehensive budget. This budget will help outline the amount of funding needed to bring your business idea onto the market. Having a detailed business plan and budget is also required for many funding avenues. 

With this budget in mind, you should then research what funding opportunities work best for you. You must determine whether or not you need funding immediately or if slower “phased” funding works well for you. How much funding you need can also eliminate some of the funding routes and direct you towards ones that may be best suited for your needs. 
There are 11 total agencies within the SBIR program and 7 within the STTR program. The Department of Energy has both SBIR and STTR grant opportunities. 

<h2>Sources of Funding </h2>
Using Equity as Cash A common way many startups fund the initial stages of their company is by using the company’s equity as cash, offering it in exchange for employee or advisor work. By offering a stake in their company or selling company stocks, startups can use both as cash immediately without sending the company into debt. 

Some individuals may also refinance the equity they may have built in their homes and invest in their company. This option is good for startups who do not have liquidated cash immediately available to invest into their company. 

This type of funding can cause the startup to lose influence over large company decisions since others less close to the business will now have partial ownership of the company. Explore more ways on how to use equity as cash for your startup here: <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/take-out-home-equity-to-invest-in-your-business/">https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/take-out-home-equity-to-invest-in-your-business/</a> 

Self-Funding Self-funding is also referred to as “bootstrapping”. Not every startup has the privilege of being entirely self-funded but there are many that do. Self-funding refers to using forms of personal income. It can be from an already existing job, personal savings, retirement savings, etc. Self-funding allows you to retain full control over your company and since there are no loans there will be no occurring interest. The downside to this form of funding is that it is not doable for everyone and, if the business fails, there is the risk of losing all expendable income. 

Friends & Family Another very common way startups fund their companies is by reaching out to friends and family for donations or loans. This type of funding often comes with little to no interest and depending on the support offered can be entirely free. It is also often much easier to ask for funding from those close to you because they personally know you and will be more likely to want to make an investment in your future than traditional lenders. If you are looking to reach out to friends and family for loans it is important to seek legal advice to make sure that the terms are outlined clearly for both parties to ensure that the lender feels secure in their investment. One downside is that asking friends and family for financial investments can sour relationships if the money given is not paid back. 


Incubator or Accelerator Programs 
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Incubator and accelerator programs are one of the most common ways startups begin receiving funding. These programs work with multiple startups at once offering financial and expert support to each startup within their program. Both programs offer mentorship and investment connection opportunities however they each have their own pathway outlined for the startup. They often invest $10k - $150k in exchange for 2-10% of your company. These numbers do vary depending on the program. 

Accelerator programs have a set timeframe where startups are expected to work with a group of business mentors. They are designed to help startups achieve rapid growth. Alternatively, incubators have no set timeframe and mentor startups for well over a year. Incubators also offer connections to investors as well as business mentors. 


Some popular accelerators and incubators are: Y Combinator, Techstars, 500 Startups, Plug n Play, SOSV, IndieBio, Gener8tor, Founders Factory, Google for Startups Accelerator etc. Depending on the accelerator program, the acceptance rates are generally higher than angel or VC fundraising routes. You can explore more options here: <a href="https://blog.salesflare.com/top-startup-accelerators-incubators-us-canada">https://blog.salesflare.com/top-startup-accelerators-incubators-us-canada.</a> 

Angel Investors Another very common way startups fund their companies is by reaching out to friends and family for donations or loans. This type of funding often comes with little to no interest and depending on the support offered can be entirely free. It is also often much easier to ask for funding from those close to you because they personally know you and will be more likely to want to make an investment in your future than traditional lenders. If you are looking to reach out to friends and family for loans it is important to seek legal advice to make sure that the terms are outlined clearly for both parties to ensure that the lender feels secure in their investment. One downside is that asking friends and family for financial investments can sour relationships if the money given is not paid back. 

The majority of all startup pre-seed and many seed rounds have significant participation from angel investors. Recently, angel syndicates have become common wherein a large network of several angel investors takes decisions and invests as a single group. Examples of such groups are Tech Coast Angels, Sand Hill Angels, and most cities have a local angel network. Typical success-rates with angel fundraising tends to be ~5%. 


 
Venture Capital 
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Venture capital funds come from a series of wealthy individuals or institutional investors that pool their money into a venture capital firm. Venture capital firms look to partner with innovative startups that present a large amount of promising growth potential, usually in the billion-dollar range. This type of funding is classified as private, which means that it is not made available on the public market. Venture capital firms typically invest in multiple startups at the same time. This means they make several high-risk investments, in which most fail, but with the hope of a few high return bets that significantly outweigh any failed investments. Investments are commonly $1M or more, however some firms can offer as low as $250,000. 

Venture capitalists can invest into a startup at any stage, the only preference is that the company has a large potential to make money for the venture capital firm. However, most firms invest once the startup is past the prototyping-stage. Funding is almost always offered in exchange for an equity stake in the company. Being partnered with a venture capital firm can also entail access to managerial, operational and other similar business practice expertise. Startups are attracted to Venture Capital firms not just because of the money offered, but also the expert support and connections that come with the investment. 

Typical success-rate with VC fundraising is usually less than 1%. You can explore some top VC Firms here: <a href="https://startupsavant.com/top-venture-capital-firms">https://startupsavant.com/top-venture-capital-firms</a> 


Donations/Crowdfunding There are many different sites available on the internet to fund your startup via crowdfunding or donations. Crowdfunding is when you pitch your potential business idea and donors contribute financially to your startup. These donors can be anyone on the internet that has a personal interest in your company or product idea. It can give your startup a good jumping off point and a general idea of the level of public interest in your potential product. There are also forms of crowdfunding where startups can sell stakes in their company online in exchange for financial investment. Using crowdfunding websites allows you to easily share your product page across the internet, uploading to these sites often means they will take a fee per donation or from your donation total. 

 Some popular crowdfunding websites include Kickstarter, Indiegogo, GoFundMe, etc. You can explore more here:
 <a href="https://startupsavant.com/top-venture-capital-firms">https://startupsavant.com/top-venture-capital-firms</a> 


In recent times there is also a new form of crowdfunding known as equity crowdfunding in which a startup may solicit investors into their company in exchange for equity (think of this as an open angel/VC round, in which you can have common folk also participate and write small $100 or so checks into your company). Popular equity crowdfunding websites platforms include WeFunder (<a href="https://wefunder.com/"> https://wefunder.com/</a>), Republic(<a href="https://republic.com/"> https://republic.com/</a>), and StartEngine (<a href="https://www.startengine.com/">https://www.startengine.com/</a>). 


Loans/Credit Lines This option is more viable for a traditional small business, rather than a deep technology startup developing an innovative product. A small business loan can be obtained from traditional banks, credit unions, or online money lenders. Small business loans are either a lump-sum payment or consistent credit line. What’s important to note about loans is that they do require the borrower to pay back the money loaned over time. Each loan has different fees, interest rates, payment timelines, etc. It is important to explore multiple loan options in order to receive the best possible deal. When looking for loans the lender will look into your credit score, current income, current expenditures and some lenders will also look into your business plan to assess the risk of offering you the loan. 


 Some common banks that offer small business loans are Bank of America, Citibank, Well Fargo, etc. You can explore more options here:
 <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/best-banks-small-business-loans ">https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/best-banks-small-business-loans </a> 


Grants & Contracts 
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Grants and contracts can come from many different sources. They can be from the government (city, county, state, or federal), charitable foundations, or companies, etc. These grants are commonly equity-free funding that is used to help develop your business. One of the difficult parts of funding a company via grants is that the grant application process is very intensive. It can take a few months to prepare a strong proposal and then another few months to hear back. Each funding opportunity has its own set of qualifications and requirements that may not apply to your product or technology R&D. It is thereby important to do a deep dive into researching which funding options are available that you can apply for. 

For example, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants are equity free government funding programs from 13 Federal agencies, which encompass a large range of topic areas across various science and technology fields. These grants/contracts can vary from $150k to over $1M, depending on the kind of opportunity and agency. SBIR grants are looking to fund small U.S. businesses that present innovative R&D for specific topic areas. You can read more about the SBIR program here:<a href=" https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/ "> https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/what-is-an-sbir/ </a> 

Standard SBIR win-rates are around 15%, and with help from professional experts like us, your chances of winning can go up even more significantly over 30-40%, thereby proving to be among the best funding options for technology and life science startups at earlier stages. 

One way you can search for such opportunities for free is on <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/"> https://www.turbosbir.com/</a>. The app can also help you apply for the opportunity using easy workflows, samples, and templates. You can also request an expert proposal writer to help increase your chances of winning! 


References 
“9 Realistic Ways to Fund Your Startup.” Startup Grind, <a href="https://www.startupgrind.com/blog/9-realistic-ways-to-fund-your-startup/"> https://www.startupgrind.com/blog/9-realistic-ways-to-fund-your-startup/</a> 

Black, Michelle. “How Do Business Loans Work?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 Sept. 2022,<a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-loans/how-do-business-loans-work/"> https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-loans/how-do-business-loans-work/</a> 

DeMarco, Jacqueline. “Startup Funding: What It Is, How to Get Capital.” NerdWallet, <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/startup-funding"> https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/startup-funding</a> 

Forrest, Conner. “Accelerators vs. Incubators: What Startups Need to Know.” TechRepublic, 31 Oct. 2022,<a href="https://www.techrepublic.com/article/accelerators-vs-incubators-what-startups-need-to-know/"> https://www.techrepublic.com/article/accelerators-vs-incubators-what-startups-need-to-know/</a> 

“Fund Your Business.” Fund Your Business, Small Business Administration,<a href="https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business"> https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business</a> 

Ganti, Akhilesh. “Angel Investor Definition and How It Works.” Investopedia, Investopedia, 26 Sept. 2022,<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/angelinvestor.asp">https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/angelinvestor.asp</a> 

Hayes, Adam. “Venture Capital: What Is VC and How Does It Work?” Investopedia, Investopedia, 4 Nov. 2022, <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/venturecapital.asp">https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/venturecapital.asp</a> 

Lam-Balfour, Tiffany. “How Venture Capital Works.” NerdWallet, 12 Apr. 2022, <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/venture-capital"> https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/venture-capital</a> 

Lavinsky, Dave. “5 Common Funding Sources for Startup Businesses & Growth [2022].” Growthink, 29 June 2022, <a href="https://www.growthink.com/content/5-most-common-funding-sources">https://www.growthink.com/content/5-most-common-funding-sources</a> 

Nicastro, Steve, and Tina Orem. “Angel Investors: Who They Are, Pros and Cons.” NerdWallet, <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/angel-investors-start-up-funding">https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/angel-investors-start-up-funding</a> 

Smith, Tim. “Crowdfunding: What It Is, How It Works, Popular Websites.” Investopedia, Investopedia, 23 Sept. 2022, <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/crowdfunding.asp">https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/crowdfunding.asp</a> 

“Trainings in Nonprofit Fundraising, Proposal Writing, Grants.” Candid Learning, <a href="https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/what-is-crowdfunding/">https://learning.candid.org/resources/knowledge-base/what-is-crowdfunding/</a> 

“What Is an Example of Venture Capital?" Fortino Capital, 3 June 2021,<a href="https://www.fortinocapital.com/news/venture-capital-example">https://www.fortinocapital.com/news/venture-capital-example</a> 


Zider, Bob. “How Venture Capital Works.” Harvard Business Review, 12 Oct. 2022,<a href="https://hbr.org/1998/11/how-venture-capital-works">https://hbr.org/1998/11/how-venture-capital-works</a> 






</article>

All startups first begin as a great idea. The problem that is run into when attempting to bring this idea onto the market is finding ways to fund it. Many innovative products go undeveloped because they were unable to obtain sufficient funding. Therefore, it is important for founders to attain a deep understanding about all the different funding options that are available to them when starting out. Some options may be easier or more challenging to explore, depending on the specific situation of the startup and its founding team. 

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How to Fund Your Startup

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SBIR Background 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was established in 1982. The main function of the program is to fund and assist innovative, effective, and impactful research and development (R&D) provided by up and coming businesses. The program offers non-dilutive equity free government funding and support to small businesses that provide innovative and competitive advances in various fields. Startups and small businesses have a large variety of agencies to apply to, each with its own particular focus. There are 11 total government agencies that participate in the SBIR program, including the Department of Defense (DoD). 

Ten years later in 1992, Congress established the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program with the intention of funding and promoting collaboration between small businesses and non-profit U.S. research institutions. There are 5 agencies that participate in the STTR program, one of which is the DoD. 
The DoD has the largest SBIR/STTR agency and, as of the most recent SBIR/STTR Annual Report, has a total budgeted amount of $1.8B. DoD SBIR/STTR funding is divided amongst multiple defense agencies and programs, one of which is the U.S. Air Force. The U.S. Air Force distributes its SBIR funding through their innovation program called AFWERX. 



<h2>About AFWERX SBIR/STTR Program </h2>
In 2017, AFWERX was established as the Air Force’s team of innovators whose jobs are to lead efforts to connect with organizations in industry, academia, and the military. AFWERX is sometimes referred to as the Air Force’s “Innovation Arm”. Their mission is to encourage unique and groundbreaking innovation that can help solve relevant problems. 

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Previously, in order to achieve this mission, three times a year AFWERX would have open topic solicitations available for small business owners. These solicitations allowed small businesses to submit their innovative solutions with the hope of receiving funding to further their R&D. After the SBIR program was reauthorized by Congress in 2022, AFWERX <a href="https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3199810/afwerx-afventures-enhances-sbirsttr-program-to-increase-tech-transition/">updated their open topic cycle</a>. The new cycle includes: two Phase 1/I opportunities followed by Phase 2/IIs and two Direct to Phase 2/II (D2P2) opportunities per year. 
*Open topic solicitations are a call for all solutions relevant to the agency. While some agencies have very specific topics (solar, Covid-19, etc), AFWERX has an open topic (in addition to specific topics), which allows flexibility for startups and small businesses to pitch their R&D. 
It was in 2020 that AFWERX was officially adopted as an Air Force organization under the <a href="https://afresearchlab.com/">Air Force Research Laboratory</a>. 
According to their website, the goal of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is: 
<blockquote>AFRL leads the discovery, development and delivery of warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. We’re pushing the boundaries and creating a new tomorrow through unparalleled research. </blockquote>

The AFRL is the Department of the Air Force’s primary research and development center. As of the most recent numbers on the AFRL website, there are more than 11,500 workers spread across 9 different technology areas and 40 other operation centers across the globe. The AFRL is leading the discovery and development of innovative technologies for the air, space, and cyberspace force. 
It was after the 2020 adoption that the Department of Air Force SBIR/STTR was transitioned to being within AFWERX. 
The goals of AFWERX, according to the AFWERX website are: 
<blockquote>Unleash Airmen and Guardian potential to create a thriving, productive, and enduring innovation ecosystem in the Department of the Air Force. Solve problems and enhance the effectiveness of the service by enabling thoughtful, deliberate, ground-up innovation. </blockquote>
In order to achieve these goals, the AFWERX program is further broken down into 3 branches, each with their own focus - 
<a href="https://afwerx.com/spark_/">Spark</a> “A program that empowers and develops intrapreneurial Airmen and Guardians, connecting them to commercial innovators using virtual collaboration, immersive training and networking opportunities that inspire ideas and cultivate a creative Force.” 
<a href="https://afwerx.com/prime-overview/">Prime</a> “An industry accelerator program that expands technology transition pathways to accelerate emerging dual-use markets by leveraging government resources for rapid and affordable fielding while bolstering U.S. tech advantage.”
<a href="https://afwerx.com/afventures-overview/">AFVentures</a> This branch of AFWERX is most known for working closely with startups and small businesses looking to partner with the U.S. Air Force. This program invests in innovative dual use commercial products that can support the USAF in solving relevant problems. As of 2022, the Air Force SBIR/STTR program rests within this program.
*Dual-use refers to being effective within the Air Force as well as outside of it. AFWERX prioritizes dual use innovations. 

<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1screenshot_20221224_024639_63b4ab0c7f8c4_bf99f9851a.png" style="width:100%; height:100%"></img> </div>


<h2>Before Applying </h2>
Before applying to any SBIR funding opportunity, it is important to determine the eligibility of your startup/company. These requirements are the basic requirements for any and all SBIR agencies. For AFWERX, on top of the R&D needing to be relevant to the Solicitation Topics you must also first ensure eligibility and registrations are met. Some of the basic eligibilities are: 

SBIR
<ul><li>For profit business based in the United States </li>
<li>500 or less employees </li>
<li>Principal investigator's primary employment (more than 50 percent) must be with small business </li>
</ul>
STTR
<ul><li>For profit business based in the United States </li>
<li>Partner with U.S. research institution; Research Investigator (RI) </li>
<li>At least 40% of work performed by small business while 30% of work performed by research institution </li>
</ul>
There are also registrations that must be completed before applying. Besides the general registrations (like Sam.gov), DoD SBIR/STTR applications require that applicants also complete registration on the DSIP portal. For a more detailed breakdown of all program requirements and registration requirements you can look here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/</a>
 
<h2>AFWERX Specific Processes </h2>
When compared to many other SBIR/STTR application processes, AFWERX takes a unique approach. What’s important to emphasize is that the AFWERX SBIR/STTR program does not offer grants, but rather contracts. The contracts can be awarded via applying to Open Topic or Specific Topic solicitations. While Open Topic Solicitations allow for any small businesses to propose their R&D, Specific Topic Solicitations outline specific needs that the applicants’ R&D must satisfy in order to apply. AFWERX is the first DoD agency to offer open topic solicitations. As of 2022, some other DoD agencies are considering following suit owing to the success seen with the AFWERX open topic solicitations. 
*A contract is more inflexible than a grant. It is considered a binding agreement between the buyer and seller. The DoD awards contracts over grants because contracts work best for classified work. 
 
The AFWERX SBIR process follows a 3-phase system. 
Phase 1/I: This phase is referred to as the feasibility phase and is recommended as the starting point for almost every startup applying to an SBIR for the first time. This phase can award up to $75k after a short review period of 1-2 months, compared to other SBIR agencies which may take up to 6 months for review. During this phase, businesses must prove how their R&D or product has potential that is relevant within the confines of the U.S. Air Force and the greater commercial market. The AFWERX phase 1/I award sets up the Air Force to become a long-term customer for the startup. 
While most SBIR/STTR applications require pages of written material, AFWERX requires that SBIR Phase 1 proposals be submitted via a short (15-25 slide) slide-deck which is reviewed in 1-2 months. This application structure makes it easier and faster for the contract reviewers to filter through the large volume of applications. 

Phase 2/II: This phase is referred to as the prototyping phase. Some agencies, the Air Force, offer the opportunity to skip over a Phase 1 SBIR proposal and apply directly for a Phase 2 award. Depending on whether or not the topic is open or specific, this program has a period of performance that can be up to 21 or 27 months. The open topic process requires that the company identify an actual USAF customer and companies are expected to discuss milestones and plan for the prototype development and then finally arrange an officially signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to apply. Phase 2 contracts can award up to $1.5M in R&D funding. 
Phase 3/III: This phase is referred to as the commercialization stage and is the final step in the AFWERX SBIR program. At this stage, the MOU signer, another USAF organization, or any other government organization may purchase the technology with no competitive bid process being required, owing to the sole source authority offered by the SBIR program.
The AFWERX SBIR program offers an additional phase, the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) and Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Program.
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/212021slide2_63b4ab0a9d897_4f9ff57f45.png" style="width:100%; height:100%"></img> <figcaption>( <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/individual-agency-requirements/DOD-services">https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/individual-agency-requirements/DOD-services</a>) </figcaption> </div>
The purpose of the STRATFI/TACFI programs are to bridge what is known as the “valley of death” for startups attempting to make the transition from a phase 2/II proposal and a phase 3/III proposal. You can read more about this program here: <a href="https://afwerx.com/stratfi-tacfi/">https://afwerx.com/stratfi-tacfi/</a>


Success Stories 
The AFWERX SBIR/STTR is a relatively new program, compared to agencies such as the NIH, which have been around longer. With the open topic solicitation, as well as the slide deck proposal format, small businesses positively view this agency. AFWERX focuses heavily on retaining all SBIR/STTR awardees and moving them through all phases of the SBIR/STTR program. With the thousands of AFWERX SBIR/STTR awards a year, there are many success stories available to explore. AFWERX keeps an updated list to all funded technologies that you can explore here: <a href="https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/News-Media/Success-Stories/Article/1298185/success-story-progression/">https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/News-Media/Success-Stories/Article/1298185/success-story-progression/</a>
Among these funded technologies are our very own. Our company, OmniSync has won multiple AFWERX SBIR awards, the most recent of which being a Phase 2/II. We work closely with the AFRL and AFWERX to support the 39th CONS by developing and providing our custom artificial intelligent powered workflow automation software, designed to streamline a part of the complex acquisition process. You can read more about our most recent award here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/afwerx-omni-sync-innovation-collaboration/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/afwerx-omni-sync-innovation-collaboration/</a>Not only do we have experience applying for AFWERX SBIR funding ourselves, but through our product, TurboSBIR.com, we have helped multiple startups win AFWERX SBIR funding. A small sample of which are highlighted below:

John H. 

SkillPower Inc. 

“Within 60 days of working with OmniSync we landed an SBIR contract with the US Air Force. In addition to their fantastic work helping us win non-dilutive funding they also provide valuable operational services and discounts for key things a startup needs.”

Madison M. 

Loomia Technologies Inc. 

TurboSBIR was super easy to use, and the team is very knowledgeable. We will absolutely work with them again for our next proposal!
While the national average SBIR success rate is about 15%, we maintain a 35% avg. success-rate (more than 2x the national avg.) Apart from the inexperience of not knowing how to couch their technology for a government reviewer’s eyes, many small businesses also get caught up in the tedious registrations and compliance requirements. TurboSBIR offers expert in addition to easy software TurboTax-like workflows, with educational guidance, samples, and templates for AFWERX. You can learn more on our website here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/">https://www.turbosbir.com/</a>

 
References 
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf">https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf</a> 

<a href="https://afresearchlab.com/partner-successes/afwerx/">https://afresearchlab.com/partner-successes/afwerx/</a> 

<a href="https://afwerx.com/about-us/">https://afwerx.com/about-us/</a> 

<a href="https://afwerx.com/stratfi-tacfi/">https://afwerx.com/stratfi-tacfi/</a> 

<a href="https://afwerx.com/sbirsttr/">https://afwerx.com/sbirsttr/</a> 

<a href="https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/About/Program-Overview/">https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/About/Program-Overview/</a> 

<a href="https://medium.com/@afwerx/startup-funding-made-easy-sbir-open-topics-c428c8433ee3">https://medium.com/@afwerx/startup-funding-made-easy-sbir-open-topics-c428c8433ee3</a> 

<a href="https://www.marion-square.com/blog/afwerx-sbir-open-topic">https://www.marion-square.com/blog/afwerx-sbir-open-topic</a> 

<a href="https://executivegov.com/2022/10/air-force-unveils-new-schedule-for-sbir-sttr-open-topic-solicitations/">https://executivegov.com/2022/10/air-force-unveils-new-schedule-for-sbir-sttr-open-topic-solicitations/</a> 

<a href="https://afwerx.com/afventures-overview/">https://afwerx.com/afventures-overview/</a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/about">https://www.sbir.gov/about</a> 

<a href="https://www.secondfront.com/insights/understanding-the-afwerx-sbir-program">https://www.secondfront.com/insights/understanding-the-afwerx-sbir-program</a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/agency-solicitations/DOD">https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/agency-solicitations/DOD</a> 

<a href="https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/FAQs/">https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/FAQs/</a> 
<a href="https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/News-Media/Success-Stories/Article/1298185/success-story-progression/">https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/News-Media/Success-Stories/Article/1298185/success-story-progression/</a> 







</article>

The AFWERX SBIR/STTR program is the most popular program for small businesses looking for SBIR/STTR funding. With its unique open topic solicitation opportunities, small businesses can propose their dual-use research and development (R&D) projects to win non-dilutive equity free government funding. The U.S. Air Force awards between 1,000 and 1,500 Phase 1/I awards annually, up to $75k per award. To this day, AFWERX has awarded more Phase 1/I awards than any other agency within the Department of Defense (DoD). This blog is intended to educate companies on the benefits, requirements, and processes of the AFWERX SBIR/STTR program. 

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AFWERX SBIR/STTR Solicitations 

<article>

<h2>SBIR Background </h2>
The SBIR/STTR program was first established over 40 years ago with the purpose of increasing innovative federal research and development (R&D) across a variety of federal agencies. The program offers non-dilutive government funding to startups and small businesses with innovative and competitive R&D. Startups and small businesses have a large variety of agencies to apply to, each with their own focus topic. The goals of the program under Public Law 114-328, Section 1834 and Public Law 115-232 are to, “...stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research and development needs; increase the private sector commercialization of innovations developed through federal research and development funding; and foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons.” 



There are 11 total agencies within the SBIR Program and 5 of those also offer the STTR program. According to the most recent annual SBIR funding report, from the start up to 2019 there have been over 179,000 awards given amounting to more than $54.3 billion in funding awarded. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is one of the agencies that offers the SBIR program to small business startups. 


<h2>DHS SBIR Program </h2>
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was first established in 2002 as a direct result of 9/11. However, with this origin, the mission and focuses of the department encompass a wide range of national security interests beyond just counter-terrorism. According to the <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/topics/secretary-homeland-security#:~:text=Under%20the%20Secretary's%20leadership%2C%20DHS,critical%20infrastructure%2C%20cybersecurity%2C%20detection%20of" >DHS homepage</a>, other focuses of the department are, “cybersecurity, aviation security, border security, port security, maritime security, administration and enforcement of our immigration laws, protection of our national leaders, protection of critical infrastructure, detection of and protection against chemical, biological and nuclear threats to the homeland, and response to disasters.” The DHS S&T SBIR program was later developed in 2004 with the goal of increasing the participation of U.S. based small businesses that can develop creative solutions to homeland security concerns in the federal R&D programs. 

The DHS S&T SBIR program has established Program Managers that develop and open solicitation topics. These Program Managers head different Science and Technology Divisions within the DHS. The following divisions are relevant to the DHS annual solicitation: 
<ul>
<li>Borders and Maritime Security </li>
<li>Chemical/Biological Defense </li>
<li>Cyber Security, Explosives </li>
<li>First Responder Group </li>

</ul>
According to the DHS website, the SBIR topics typically focus on the needs of the following DHS Operational Units: 
<ul>
<li>U.S. Coast Guard </li>
<li>U.S. Transportation Security Administration </li>
<li>U.S. Customs and Border Protection </li>
<li>Federal Emergency Management Agency </li>
<li>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services </li>
<li>U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement </li>
<li>U.S. Secret Service </li>
<li>First Responders</li>
</ul>

The solicitation topics for the DHS open up annually at the end of each year with the submission date being the beginning of the next year. Each SBIR agency has a specific amount of their R&D budget delegated just to their SBIR program. According to the most recent SBIR Annual Report from 2019 the DHS has an obligation of delegating 21.9 million towards their SBIR program. 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;">
<img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21screenshot_20221125_054943_63b47ebea803d_935ba676a9.png" style="width:70%; height:70%"></img><figcaption>(Source: <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf)" >https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf) </a></figcaption> </div>
The DHS awards SBIR funding via a three-phase competitive grant application process. This process requires that small businesses write and submit proposals that can give them the opportunity to present how their R&D can positively contribute to the specific needs outlined in the grant solicitation.
 

<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;">
<img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21screenshot_20221204_102435_63b47ec0340bc_41e59c7a92.png" style="width:70%; height:70%"></img><figcaption>(Source: <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir" >https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir) </a></figcaption> </div>

Phase 1/I: This phase is referred to as the feasibility phase and is recommended as the starting point for almost every startup applying to an SBIR for the first time. This phase can award up to $150,000 over 5 months with the purpose of determining the scientific and technical merit of the funded R&D. 
Phase 2/II: This phase is referred to as the prototyping phase and while some agencies offer the opportunity to skip over a Phase 1 SBIR proposal and apply directly for a Phase 2 award, for the DHS you have to first be awarded a Phase 1 SBIR award before being able to apply for a Phase 2. This phase typically awards up to $1 million over 2 years with the purpose of continuing the R&D work done over the course of the Phase 1 award process and developing a prototype that can later be commercialized. typically funds up to $1,000,000 for 24 months to continue the R&D effort from the completed Phase I project and work towards a prototype demonstration. 
Phase 3/III: This phase is referred to as the commercialization stage and is the final step in the SBIR program. All funding in this phase is from private or non-SBIR government sources. These sources are meant to be final beneficiaries of the technology. This can include customers, investors, etc. Phase III has no limits on the number, duration, type or dollar value of awards made to a small business. 


<h2>Before Applying </h2>
Before applying to any SBIR funding opportunity, it is important to determine the eligibility of your startup/company. These requirements are the basic requirements for any and all SBIR agencies. For the DHS, on top of the R&D needing to be relevant to the solicitation topics you must also first ensure eligibility and registrations are met. You can learn more about the requirements here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/"> https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/ </a> 


DHS Specific Process 
Each SBIR agency has their own required unique proposal process. Like other agencies, the DHS requires that there be a Principal Investigator on the team during the application process and over the course of the proposed project. If all basic requirements are met as well as DHS specific requirements, you can begin the writing and submission process. It is important to read through the solicitation. The current solicitation can be found here: <a href="https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public "> https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public </a> 


Next, create an account on the DHS submission portal site here: <a href="https://oip.dhs.gov/public/register-user-v1/?mode=add ">https://oip.dhs.gov/public/register-user-v1/?mode=add </a> 


You can then begin a new proposal. The DHS SBIR submission process is very intensive. Among various steps are ensuring that all preregistration requirements and proposal format requirements are met. Secondly, the language of an SBIR proposal is very specific and unique as compared to blog or academic writing. What many applicants find helpful is referring to samples, templates, and/or connecting with a professional writer. Our TurboSBIR can be a helpful resource to startups as we offer all the previously mentioned tools and resources. You can learn more about TurboSBIR and begin for free here: <a href=" https://www.turbosbir.com/ "> https://www.turbosbir.com/ </a> 

The DHS offers programs that have been established to accelerate the Phase 1 and 2 award and Phase III transition processes. One of these programs, according to the DHS website, is, “...the OATS (Other Agency Technology Solutions) program which leverages SBIR investments made by other agencies to fill DHS capability gaps and requirements. The intent of OATS is to help transition successful SBIR Phase II technology projects into both the government and private markets more rapidly and to provide DHS program managers with an opportunity to reduce program risk. The DHS also offers a Cost Match feature for all Phase 2/II SBIR awards. This feature is designed to attract matching funding from an outside investor. 


DHS SBIR Success Stories 
The DHS awards SBIR funding annually to innovative and creative R&D that help discover solutions to significant focuses of the DHS. Recent success stories can be found on the DHS website. Some of them include: " <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/publication/st-dhs-sbir-success-story-explosives-detection-technology"> Portable Imager for Stand-off Detection of Person-Borne Bulk Military and Homemade Explosives - </a> 
The ability to safely detect concealed explosives on a person is a critical need for protecting the public. In response to the DHS SBIR <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/content/safe-standoff-detection-bulk-explosives-person-0"> Safe Standoff Detection of Bulk Explosives on a Person (H-SB012.1-003) </a>solicitation topic, Polestar Technologies, Inc. of Needham Heights, Massachusetts, developed a portable system for stand-off detection of concealed explosives to detect and identify different types of explosives” 

and
" <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/publication/st-dhs-sbir-success-story-field-detection-and-analysis-fire-gasses"> Hazardous Gases and Particulate Matter Detector – June 2020 - </a> 
The ability to safely detect concealed explosives on a person is a critical need for protecting the public. In response to the DHS SBIR <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/solicitations/hshqdc-14-r-00035-0"> Field Detection and Analysis for Fire Gases and Particulates (H-SB014.2-006) </a>solicitation topic, N5 Sensors, of Rockville, Maryland, developed an ultra-small, low-cost hazardous gas and particulate matter detector using novel chip-scale chemical sensor technology that can be used by firefighters.” 


You can read more success stories here: <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir-success-stories">https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir-success-stories</a> 




References 
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/all/themes/sbir/dawnbreaker/img/documents/Course2-Tutorial6.pdf">https://www.sbir.gov/sites/all/themes/sbir/dawnbreaker/img/documents/Course2-Tutorial6.pdf</a>

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf">https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf</a> 

<a href="https://team-80.com/dhs-sbir/#DHS-SBIR-Program-Phases">https://team-80.com/dhs-sbir/#DHS-SBIR-Program-Phases</a> 

<a href="https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public">https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public</a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/">https://www.sbir.gov/</a> 

<a href="https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public/how-to-apply-page#sbir">https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public/how-to-apply-page#sbir</a> 

<a href="https://oip.dhs.gov/public/register-user-v1/?mode=add">https://oip.dhs.gov/public/register-user-v1/?mode=add</a> 

<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/st-2022-year-review">https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/st-2022-year-review</a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/individual-agency-requirements/DHS">https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/individual-agency-requirements/DHS</a> 

<a href="https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public">https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public</a> 

<a href="https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/oig-sa-reports/SBA%20OIG%20Fall%202021%20Semiannual%20Report%20to%20Congress.pdf">https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/oig-sa-reports/SBA%20OIG%20Fall%202021%20Semiannual%20Report%20to%20Congress.pdf</a> 

<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir-success-stories">https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir-success-stories</a> 






 




</article>

The SBIR/STTR program was first established over 40 years ago with the purpose of increasing innovative federal research and development (R&D) across a variety of federal agencies. The program offers non-dilutive government funding to startups and small businesses with innovative and competitive R&D. Startups and small businesses have a large variety of agencies to apply to, each with their own focus topic. The goals of the program under Public Law 114-328, Section 1834 and Public Law 115-232 are to, “...stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research and development needs; increase the private sector commercialization of innovations developed through federal research and development funding; and foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons.”  

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DHS Solicitation: Everything You Need to Know to Apply

<article>

<h2>SBIR Basics </h2>
The SBIR/STTR program was first established over 40 years ago with the purpose of increasing innovative federal research and development (R&D) across a variety of federal agencies. The program offers non-dilutive government funding to startups and small businesses with innovative and competitive R&D. Startups and small businesses have a large variety of agencies to apply to, each with their own focus topic. The goals of the program under Public Law 114-328, Section 1834 and Public Law 115-232 are to, “...stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting federal research and development needs; increase the private sector commercialization of innovations developed through federal research and development funding; and foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons.” 
There are 11 total agencies within the SBIR program and 7 within the STTR program. The Department of Energy has both SBIR and STTR grant opportunities. 

<h2>DOE Summary </h2>
The DOE or Department of Energy has 13 program offices that work with the SBIR/STTR programs. The offices are: Fossil Energy, Fusion Energy Sciences, Nuclear Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Advanced Scientific & computing Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological & Environmental Research, High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, Electricity, Cyber security & Energy Security & Emergency Response, Environmental Management, and Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D. These offices are responsible for releasing SBIR application topics, reviewing all applications, and ranking potential awardees. They do not decide the official awardees. The final awardees are determined by the SBIR/STTR programs office. The funding budgeted and approved by Congress and outlined in the SBIR Program influences the topic selections. Each SBIR agency has its own budget that varies depending on how much R&D funding the agency receives. It is important that the submissions are competitive, align closely with the agency’s goals and missions, and show promising commercialization probability. 


The Department of Energy offers over 50 technical topics, containing about 250 subtopics, ranging from energy production, fundamental energy sciences, environmental management, energy use, and defense nuclear non-proliferation. Not all topics are open for applications during each solicitation. When an application cycle/round opens the available topics will be released in the announcement. The DOE’s mission is “...to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.” This overall mission is being met through these 3 goals. 


Goal 1: Clean Energy Technology 
The DOE SBIR program is looking to fund R&D that presents innovative solutions and technology to aid in optimizing the U.S. energy resources and transitioning to cleaner energy to help the environment. Some examples of the R&D topic areas that support this goal according to the DOE are: 
Clean Coal Technology 
Advanced Turbine Technolgy 
Oil and Gas Technolgy 
Advanced Materials and Technolgy for Nuclear Energy 
Smart Grid Technology 
Energy Storage 
Bio-energy and Biofuels 
Hydrogen and Fuel cells 
Solar Power 
Water Power 
Wind Energy 
Advanced Manufacturing 
Efficient Buildings and Vehicles 



Goal 2: Science and Engineering Leadership 
R&D topic areas: 
Advanced Detectors 
Accelerator Technology 
RF Components and Systems 
Data Acquisition, Processing and Analysis 
Fusion Energy Systems 
High Performance Computing and Networking 
Modeling and Simulation 
Atmospheric Measurement Technology 
Genomic Science and Related Biotech 
Advanced Sources: Neutron, X-Ray, Electron 



Goal 3: Nuclear Security 
R&D topic areas: 
Novel Radiation Monitoring Concepts 
In Situ Remediation 
Facility Deactivation and Decommissioning 
Remote Densing 
Global Nuclear Safeguards R&D 
Nuclear Detonation Detection 
 

<h2>The DOE SBIR/STTR Program</h2>
<h3>Before Applying </h3>
Before applying to any SBIR funding opportunity, it is important to determine the eligibility of your startup/company. The requirements are outlined in detail on the SBIR website (SBIR.Gov). The requirements are as follows: 

<ol>
 <li>
 The organization must be for profit and have a place of business within the
 United States. The organization must also primarily be within the US. In
 some cases, startups not primarily located in the US can fulfill these
 criteria if they make significant contributions to the US economy through
 paying taxes or using American products, materials or labor.
 </li>

 <li>
 Is in the legal form of an individual proprietorship, partnership, limited
 liability company, corporation, joint venture, association, trust or
 cooperative, except that where the form is a joint venture, there must be
 less than 50 percent participation by foreign business entities in the joint
 venture
 </li>

 <li>
 <ol>
 <li>
 SBIR and STTR. Be a (small business) concern which is more than 50%
 directly owned and controlled by one or more individuals (who are
 citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States), other
 business concerns (each of which is more than 50% directly owned and
 controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens
 of the United States), an Indian tribe, ANC or NHO (or a wholly owned
 business entity of such tribe, ANC or NHO), or any combination of these;
 OR
 </li>
 <li>
 SBIR-only. For some agencies, awardee may be a concern which is more
 than 50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge
 funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these. No single
 venture capital operating company, hedge fund, or private equity firm
 may own more than 50% of the concern, unless that single venture capital
 operating company, hedge fund, or private equity firm qualifies as a
 small business concern that is more than 50% directly owned and
 controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens
 of the United States; OR
 </li>
 <li>
 SBIR and STTR. Be a joint venture in which each entity to the joint
 venture must meet the requirements set forth in paragraph 3 (i) or 3
 (ii) of this section. A joint venture that includes one or more concerns
 that meet the requirements of paragraph (ii) of this section must comply
 with § 121.705(b) concerning registration and proposal requirements.
 </li>
 </ol>
 </li>
<li>
Has, including its affiliates, not more than 500 employees. 
If the concern is more than 50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these falls under 3 (ii) or 3 (iii) above, additional instructions regarding required application certification from the agency must be followed. </li>
</ol>



<h2>Registrations</h2>
If your startup qualifies to apply for an SBIR/STTR opportunity, the next step is to have the proper registrations. The registrations can take from a few minutes to multiple weeks to obtain so it is imperative that you begin these well before beginning your grant application. 
<ul><li><a href="https://pamspublic.science.energy.gov/WebPAMSExternal/Interface/Registration/UserRegistrationHome.aspx">DOE Office of Science Portfolio Analysis System (PAMS)</a>: This is a DOE specific registration. It is required in order to submit your Letter of Intent which is one of the first steps in the DOE SBIR submission process. </li>
<li><a href="https://sam.gov/content/home">System for Award Management (SAM)</a>: This registration requires renewal annually. After registering you will be assigned a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code as well as a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). </li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business">SBA Company Registry</a>: Applicants should complete this registration after their SAM profile is active. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.grants.gov/">Grants.gov</a>: Applicants should complete this registration after their SAM profile is active. </li>
</ul> 
After completing these registrations and deciding to apply to the Department of Energy, there are 3 different grant types available for applicants. The SBIR program offers multiple grant “phases”. These “phases” are best explained to be different grant tiers that vary depending on how far into production/company development the applicant is. There are a total of 3/III Phases and the award cap varies significantly from Phase 1/I to Phase 3/III. Awards are given to applicants based on technical merit, marketability, and innovation. 
 


<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21doesbirprocess_639056cf06dfc_d214b2a6a8.png" style="width:70%; height:70%"></img> <figcaption>Source: DOE Tech-to-Market 2022</figcaption> </div>

Phase 1/I (feasibility): This phase is the suggested starting point for almost every startup. It has the lowest bar of requirements and is designed as the first step in the 3 Phase SBIR process. It focuses on the feasibility of the proposed research and development. The DOE Phase 1/I award lasts 6-12 months and is intended to support further exploring the proposed R&D. The maximum financial award ranges from $200k to $250k, depending on the topic. 


Phase 2/II (prototyping): While some agencies offer opportunities to apply directly to a Phase 2/II SBIR grant, it is designed to be the second step in the SBIR Program, after completion of Phase 1/I. This phase lasts about 2 years and is meant to expand upon the R&D researched from the Phase 1/I process. It is referred to as the Continued R&D Development Effort. The maximum financial award ranges from $1.1M or $1.6M, depending on the topic. 
Phase 3/III (commercialization): This phase is the final step in the SBIR program and is designed for exiting the SBIR program for the technology that is developed through Phases I and II. This phase is meant to be funded by the final beneficiaries of the technology, such as customers, investors, governments (if technology has government use) etc. If government is funding a Phase III, the funds cannot come from the SBIR budget of any agency. Instead, agencies can use any other budget lines to fund this phase as appropriate. 

<h2>DOE SBIR Application Process </h2>

Each DOE application cycle begins with the release of topics that the DOE will be accepting proposals for in that round. For example, you can read more about the 2023 solicitation topics on the DOE website here: <a href="https://science.osti.gov/-/media/sbir/pdf/TechnicalTopics/FY23-Phase-I-Release-2-Combined-TopicsV211172022.pdf">DOE FY23 Funding SBIR Opportunities.</a> After DOE topics have been released the next step is preparing your Letter of Intent (LOI). This step is mandatory. The DOE requires this because it allows the appropriate grant reviewers to anticipate what applications they will be receiving, and it also allows the DOE to warn applicants who may not align with the chosen topic or overall program goals. The LOI must not exceed 500 words so it is important to effectively and efficiently communicate how the project meets the application criteria. It is then important that the LOI is submitted on the PAMS site before the deadline in order to continue the SBIR Phase 1/I application. You can submit up to 10 unique LOIs. 

 

If your LOI is deemed not appropriate for the DOE topic that you selected, then the DOE will inform you of this. If you don’t hear from DOE by a specific date that will be noted in the solicitation, then you can assume that your LOI is a good fit and you can move to completing your proposal package. 

 

The first and most important step is preparing a Project Narrative. The Project Narrative will make up most of your application so this is likely where you will be spending most of your time. According to the DOE Tutorials Website the Project Narrative must: 
 
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21doeprojectnarrativerequirements_6390660b14d49_a4d28350ba.png" style="width:90%; height:90%"></img> <figcaption>Source: DOE Tutorials</figcaption> </div>

In addition to the Project Narrative, there are several other documents that need to be prepared. These describe important aspects of the proposal such as budget, CVs, resources etc. After you’ve buttoned up all your documents, final submission is performed on Grants.gov. 
Templates and examples several of the above documents are easily available on the TurboSBIR App (it’s free to search for opportunities), where you can prepare the entire application package in a high-quality and compliant manner. You can also request strategic consultations, grant writing, and administrative support from our experts who understand the DOE's requirements and expectations. 

References 
<a href="https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Funding-Opportunities?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery >https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Funding-Opportunities?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery </a> 

<a href="https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/25674/chapter/5#55 "> https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/25674/chapter/5#55 </a> 
<a href="https://science.osti.gov/-/media/sbir/pdf/TechnicalTopics/FY23-Phase-I-Release-2-Combined-TopicsV211172022.pdf ">https://science.osti.gov/-/media/sbir/pdf/TechnicalTopics/FY23-Phase-I-Release-2-Combined-TopicsV211172022.pdf </a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf ">https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf </a> 

<a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/sbir/small-business-innovation-research-and-small-business-technology-transfer ">https://www.energy.gov/science/sbir/small-business-innovation-research-and-small-business-technology-transfer </a> 
<a href="https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Applicant-Resources/Letter-of-Intent ">https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Applicant-Resources/Letter-of-Intent </a> 
<a href="https://doetutorials.dawnbreaker.com/ ">https://doetutorials.dawnbreaker.com/ </a> 
<a href="https://science.osti.gov/sbir/FAQs ">https://science.osti.gov/sbir/FAQs </a> 
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/annual-reports-files ">https://www.sbir.gov/annual-reports-files </a> 
<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir ">https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir </a> 
<a href="https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Awardee-Resources ">https://science.osti.gov/sbir/Awardee-Resources </a> 
<a href="https://doephase0.dawnbreaker.com/ ">https://doephase0.dawnbreaker.com/ </a> 





</article>

Everything You Need to Know Before Completing Your DOE SBIR Application

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DOE SBIR Phase I

<article>

<h2>Summary of the SBIR Program </h2>
The SBIR program was first put into effect by the Small Business Innovation Development Act. The goal was to increase innovative research and development (R&D) for a number of federal agencies. Each agency has its own individual topic with custom solicitation and award requirements. The SBIR program has been renewed and updated multiple times, the most recent of which occurring in 2022. 

<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21sbiragenciessnapshot_6345acf09b3c4_6d6b41ffe9.png" style="width:50%; height:50%"></img> <figcaption>Source: SBIR.gov</figcaption> </div>

There are 11 total agencies that offer their own SBIR grant and contract programs. Some of these also offer STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer Research) programs meant to encourage collaborations between small business and non-profit research organizations. 
<a href="https://seed.nih.gov/?redirect_from=sbir.nih.gov">HHS </a>- Department of Health and Human Services (consists of the NIH - National Institutes of Health, CDC – Center for Disease Control and FDA – Food and Drug Administration) 
<a href="https://www.defense.gov/">DOD </a>- Department of Defense (encompasses branches like the US Air Force, Army, Navy, DARPA etc.) 

<a href="https://science.osti.gov/sbir">DOE </a>- Department of Energy 
<a href="https://seedfund.nsf.gov/">HHS </a>- National Science Foundation 
<a href="https://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/">NASA </a>- National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
<a href="https://sbir2.st.dhs.gov/portal/SBIR/">DHS </a>- Department of Homeland Security 
<a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/small-business-innovation-research-technology-transfer-programs-sbirsttr">USDA </a>- Department of Agriculture 
<a href="https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-with-us/small-business-innovation-research">DOT </a>- Department of Transportation 
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/agencies/department-of-commerce">DOC </a>- Department of Commerce (consists of NIST – National Institute of Standards and Technology and NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) 

<a href="https://www2.ed.gov/programs/sbir/index.html">ED </a>- Department of Education (consists of the IES – Institute of Educational Sciences) 
<a href="https://www.epa.gov/sbir">EPA </a>- Enviromental Protection Agency 

These programs each have their own goals, missions, and innovation focuses. Each agency has “cycles” where solicitations open at specific times of the year and/or a specific number of times a year. You can apply to multiple agencies and win multiple SBIRs/STTRs. However, you must make a point to customize your work proposal in order to avoid “double-dipping”. 
Each agency also has a custom budget that can be allocated towards their SBIR/STTR programs. There is a total of ~$4 B available across all of the agencies. This budget is determined by each agency setting aside a small percentage of the R&D budget, between 1.5% and 3.2%, to fund their SBIR programs. It is also important to note that if an agency’s budget exceeds $100 million, they must allocate the maximum amount, 3.2%, to the SBIR program, meaning that some agencies like the DoD and the HHS (NIH) have much larger budgets (and award larger number of companies with higher $) than some of the other agencies with smaller budgets. 

When selecting whether you are a better fit for an SBIR or STTR, you may want to consider the following circumstances: 
<ul>
<li>You wish to submit a proposal where you can include another organization as a subcontractor. Subcontractors are often used to solidify and unify the team and the proposal. An example of a possible subcontractor is a non-profit university faculty or federally funded researcher. While this is optional for SBIRs, it is mandatory for STTRS. </li>
<li>STTRs require that your company establish and agreement between the small business and a Research Investigator. This also requires an agreement on the allocation of intellectual property. Sometimes investors do not want to back a startup that has involved a non-profit because of how it may complicate the claim to the IP of the product. </li>
<li>It is always recommended you obtain a research investigator (RI). With this in mind, an RI may prefer to work as a private consultant versus someone who represents an entire university or lab. SBIRs allow private consultants to be a part of the proposal however STTRs do not. </li>
</ul>





<h2>Requirements Before Applying </h2>
<ul>
<li>Have less than 500 employees. </li>
<li>Are a for-profit organization with a place of business within the United States. Must also be based primarily within the U.S. </li>
<li>Must have less than 50 percent participation by a foreign business entity. </li>
<li>Must be more than 50% directly owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States and for most agencies, less than 50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these (some agencies allow majority VC-owned startups). </li>
<li>System for Award Management (SAM) registration. This can take up to 6 weeks to process so it is recommended to obtain this ASAP. </li>
<li>SBA Company Registry: Best practice to complete your SAM registration first so that all the data sync’s well across multiple registrations, since these govt systems share data on the back end. <ul><li>Other registrations such as eRA Commons, Grants.gov, DSIP, Research.gov etc. can be custom requirements, depending on the agency that you are applying for </li></ul></li>
</ul>
For a more detailed breakdown of these requirements refer to: 
<a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/">https://www.turbosbir.com/education/blog/sbir-sttr-application-requirements/</a>


 
<h2>The Phases </h2>
Depending on the stage or need of your startup, the SBIR program offers multiple grant application pathways: 
<ul>
<li>Phase 1/I: All startups irrespective of the stage of your company are eligible only for Phase 1. It is strongly encouraged to begin with a Phase 1 if you have never been a steward of federal funding. SBIR Phase 1s primary purpose is to aid in establishing the technical merit and feasibility of the R&D proposed by the applicant. </li>
<li>Direct-to-Phase 2 or Fast Track: These applications allow the startup to either skip to Phase II directly or submit both Phase I and Phase II together in order to bridge the gap between the phases. Only some agencies allow direct-to-Phase II or fast-track proposals. </li>
<li>Phase 2/II: Phase 2 awards are often a “Follow On” application awarded after startups have successfully been awarded a Phase 1 proposal, have achieved the established technical merit of their R&D, and apply and compete successfully for the prototyping and field-testing Phase 2 of their project. The purpose of Phase 2 funding is to aid the small business in getting ready to commercialize their product or technology in their intended markets. Typically, only one Phase 2 proposal is awarded per Phase 1 award. </li>
</ul>
 

<h2>How to Get Started </h2>
If you are interested in applying for an SBIR, meet all of the requirements, and have completed all of the required registrations you can begin searching for the best SBIR grant for you and beging writing. You can search for grants on the TurboSBIR app for free. The app allows you to filter based on agency, grant phase, SBIR or STTR program, etc. It combs through all portions of the internet to connect you to a grant that best suits you without you wasting your time filtering through numerous sources and sites yourself. Furthermore, if you are seeking support in applying for funding, you can also do so with the help of TurboSBIR, which offers a winning combination of AI and expert support to help you apply in an easier, more compliant, and scalable manner. Take a look at our pricing here to see how our cost-effective support can help you: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/#pricing ">https://www.turbosbir.com/#pricing </a>

<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/turbosbir_pricing_a8f32d688a.jpg" style="width:100%; height:100%"></img> <figcaption>Source: TurboSBIR.com</figcaption> </div>



References 
<a href="https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Program_Descriptions.pdf >https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Program_Descriptions.pdf </a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf "> https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf </a> 

<a href="https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Topics_for_Budget_Waivers.pdf">https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Topics_for_Budget_Waivers.pdf </a> 

<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/all/themes/sbir/dawnbreaker/img/documents/Course1-Tutorial3.pdf ">https://www.sbir.gov/sites/all/themes/sbir/dawnbreaker/img/documents/Course1-Tutorial3.pdf </a> 



SBIR.gov,3 Oct. 2022, <a href="https://sbir.gov/"> https://sbir.gov/</a> 
“Funding.”Funding | SBIR.gov,<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/funding"> https://www.sbir.gov/funding</a> 




</article>

SBIR stands for Small Business Innovation Research. It is a program that offers non-dilutive equity free government funding for innovative research and development. It is one of the most popular federal funding programs for startups and innovative small businesses with an overall budget of roughly US $4 Billion, spread across 11 unique agencies. 

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What is an SBIR

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OmniSync values its positive relationship with the U.S. Air Force. Our mission as a company, as stated on our website, is to “equip the next generation of innovators & pioneers with an online ecosystem of knowledge, capital, and human resources to help them realize their vision, accomplish their goals, and create a better world.” We do so by using a combination of AI/NLP powered innovation search tools, grant/contract application process automation software, and expert-driven support systems that have allowed us to simplify and streamline the finding and funding of the country’s best innovations. Our flagship product, TurboSBIR, is used by a wide variety of startups who wish to discover and apply for Small Business Innovation Research grants (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer grant/contract (STTR) to fund their innovation. You can explore more of what we do at <a href=" https://www.turbosbir.com/">https://www.turbosbir.com/ </a> and <a href="https://www.omnisync.io/">https://www.omnisync.io/</a>. 

We have been privileged to work closely with AFWERX after first being awarded two Phase I SBIR/STTR contracts. We have always been passionate about the goals of the AFWERX SBIR program. According to the AFWERX website the program, “...connects innovators across government, industry and academia through collaboration with our nation’s top subject-matter experts.” Since our first collaboration with the program, we have been exploring ways to develop innovative technologies that can effectively support those in service. In the middle of 2022, we were awarded our second SBIR Phase II by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX. This award will allow us to support the 39th CONS by developing and providing artificial intelligence-powered workflow automation software to streamline a part of the complex acquisition process.


Our CEO, Dr. Rupak Doshi, when asked about the opportunity said, "We pride ourselves on developing cutting-edge innovations and are thrilled to continue our work to support the US Air Force. Contracting processes can be quite repetitive and tedious. We are utilizing our experience in building commercial software that simplifies complex processes to help speed up these repetitive tasks and save precious time for the warfighter". This developing technology will allow us to help bridge the gap between the Air Force and the millions of small businesses that support the force in a simple and effective manner, by eliminating the extraneous bureaucratic process the Air Force and small businesses have to endure. 

According to Staff Sgt. John Cone, a contract administrator assigned to the 39th CONS Base Infrastructure Flight, “These relationships with small and large businesses are essential; our military runs on them. The more we can leverage these relationships to improve our systems and arm us to make better decisions, the better we can accomplish the mission.” 

OmniSync is enthusiastic about this opportunity and is looking forward to all of the ways we can support the U.S. Air Force and U.S. small businesses in the future. 

References 








<a href="https://www.incirlik.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/3191189/streamlined-acquisitions-39th-cons-meets-innovation/ 
" style="word-break: break-all;"> https://www.incirlik.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/3191189/streamlined-acquisitions-39th-cons-meets-innovation/ 
</a> 

<a href="https://afwerx.com/about-us/" style="word-break: break-all;">https://afwerx.com/about-us/ 
</a> 

<a href="https://afresearchlab.com/about/" style="word-break: break-all;"> https://afresearchlab.com/about/ </a> 

<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omnisync-incorporated-awarded-a-phase-ii-sbir-contract-by-the-us-air-force-to-automate-contracting-processes-301614245.html " style="word-break: break-all;"> https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omnisync-incorporated-awarded-a-phase-ii-sbir-contract-by-the-us-air-force-to-automate-contracting-processes-301614245.html 
</a> 

<a href="https://www.omnisync.io/" style="word-break: break-all;">https://www.omnisync.io/ 
</a> 
<a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/ " style="word-break: break-all;">https://www.turbosbir.com/
</a> 










</article>

Ft. 1st Lt. Henry Camp, right, 39th Contracting Squadron director of business operation, Staff Sgt. John Cone, a contract administrator assigned to the 39th CONS Base Infrastructure Flight left, and Rupak Doshi and Norman Huang OmniSync center 

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AFWERX OmniSync Innovation Collaboration

<article>

<h2>SBIR/STTR Application Requirements </h2>
 It is important to first determine whether your startup qualifies for an SBIR or STTR grant or contract. Each funding opportunity has its own requirements; however, many overlap. SBIR grants or contracts have specific criteria that all must be met by you to be eligible to apply <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/about">SBIR.gov</a> outlines those criteria as follows: 

<ol>
<li>The organization must be for profit and have a place of business within the United States. The organization must also primarily be within the US. In some cases, startups not primarily located in the US can fulfill these criteria if they make significant contributions to the US economy through paying taxes or using American products, materials or labor. </li>
<li>Is in the legal form of an individual proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, association, trust or cooperative, except that where the form is a joint venture, there must be less than 50 percent participation by foreign business entities in the joint venture </li>
<li><ul>
<li>SBIR and STTR. Be a concern which is more than 50% directly owned and controlled by one or more individuals (who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States), other business concerns (each of which is more than 50% directly owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States), an Indian tribe, ANC or NHO (or a wholly owned business entity of such tribe, ANC or NHO), or any combination of these; OR </li>
<li>SBIR-only. For some agencies, awardees may be a concern which is more than 50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these. No single venture capital operating company, hedge fund, or private equity firm may own more than 50% of the concern, unless that single venture capital operating company, <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/121.702">hedge fund</a>, or <a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/121.702">private equity firm</a> qualifies as a small business concern that is more than 50% directly owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States; OR </li>

<li>SBIR and STTR. Be a joint venture in which each entity to the joint venture must meet the requirements set forth in paragraph 3 (i) or 3 (ii) of this section. A joint venture that includes one or more concerns that meet the requirements of paragraph (ii) of this section must comply with § 121.705(b) concerning registration and proposal requirements. 

</ul></li>
<li>Has, including its affiliates, not more than 500 employees. 
If the concern is more than 50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these falls under 3 (ii) or 3 (iii) above, additional instructions regarding required application certification from the agency must be followed. </li>
</ol> 


<h2>The Differences Between SBIR and STTR </h2>
 You should next determine which grant program is best for you. SBIRs and STTRs are the two largest government grant funding programs that have many overlapping similarities. Despite these similarities there are a handful of key differences between the programs: 
<ul><li>The first is that the STTR program requires that the small business/startup work with a non-profit research institution (RI), typically a university or academic or Federal lab </li>
<li>The second key difference is that the STTR program requires that any technology/product developed at the RI be transferred to the small business/startup. </li>
<li>The SBIR program has 11 participating agencies while the STTR program has 5. </li>
<li>STTR requires that the small business do a minimum of 40% of the work and that the RI complete a minimum of 30% on a Phase I project. Alternatively, an SBIR Phase I requires the small business to complete a minimum of two-thirds of the work and is given the option to subcontract one-third to any entity, including an RI. </li>
</ul>
 An SBIR may be the better choice under the following circumstances: 
<ul>
<li>You wish to submit a proposal where you can include another company as a subcontractor. Subcontractors are usually used to improve the “compatibility” of the team on the proposal. You are able to include a non-profit university or Federally-funded researcher in your SBIR proposal. While it is optional on the SBIR proposal, it is required for the STTR proposal. </li>
<li>Depending on the company, sometimes investors do not like the idea of a non-profit being involved with the project. One of the main reasons an investor may be against this is that it can complicate the claim to the intellectual property of the product. This concern is from the STTR requirement of establishing an agreement between the small business and the RI about the allocation of intellectual property. </li>
<li>The RI lead researcher may prefer to work as a private consultant rather than someone who represents an entire university or Federal Lab. Consultants do not qualify a small business for an STTR grant because there is no nonprofit RI. </li>
</ul>

 An STTR grant may be the better choice in the following situations: 
<ul>
<li>In order to have the best team for a competitive grant proposal a large portion of the award needs to be subcontracted. The SBIR program only allows one-third of the research be subcontracted while the STTR program allows up to 60% of the work be subcontracted. </li>
<li>The STTR program is often described as a “collaboration” between two partners (the small business and nonprofit RI). It is important to remember the award and overall control of the technology/project goes to the small business. </li>
<li>There may be a higher likelihood of winning a grant award if the small business teams up with an RI. </li>
</ul> 

<h2>Required Registrations </h2>
 Next, it is important that the applicant has completed the required registrations prior to the SBIR/STTR being submitted. It is important to note that some of these registrations can take 6 or more weeks so it is imperative that the registration process begins well before the desired grant applicant opens. 
<ul>
<li>System for Award Management (SAM) on Sam.gov: This registration can takes 4-6+ weeks initially, and then requires annual renewal. After registering you will be assigned a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and when registering for All Awards, also a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code </li>
<li>SBA Company Registry on SBIR.gov. This registration is quick but doing it correctly and fully requires an active SAM registration </li>
 Some agencies require additional registrations or account setup steps, including, but not limited to eRA Commons, Grants.gov, DSIP, Research.gov, etc. 
</ul> 

<h2>Select a Phase </h2>
<div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;">
<img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21microsoftteamsimage7_636036bdce777_44cc4b6ea4.png" style="width:80%; height:580%"></img> <figcaption>(Concept - Phase I Prototype - Phase II Commercialization - Phase IIB) </figcaption></div>
 Depending on the stage or need of your startup, the STTR/SBIR program offers multiple grant pathways: 
<ul>
<li>Phase 1/I: Startups in the beginning stages of R&D research are eligible only for a Phase 1. It is only strongly encouraged to begin with a Phase 1 if you have applied to other SBIRs and/or been awarded funding. While there are other pathways to take, success-rates drop dramatically when skipping over first applying to a Phase 1. SBIR Phase 1s primary purpose is to aid in establishing the technical merit and feasibility of the R&D proposed by the applicant. </li>
<li>Direct-to-Phase 2 or Fast Track: These applications allows the startup to either skip to Phase II directly or submit both Phase I and Phase II in order to bridge the gap between the phases. Only some agencies allow direct-to-Phase II or fast-track proposals. </li>
<li>Phase 2/II: Phase 2 grants are often a “Follow On” application awarded after startups have successfully been awarded a Phase 1 grant and achieved the established technical merit of their R&D. The purpose of Phase 2 funding is to aid the small business in getting ready for commercializing their product or technology. Only one Phase 2 application may be awarded per Phase 1 award. </li>
</ul> 

<h2>Next Steps </h2>
 Once you have completed all of the above steps you can begin narrowing down your grant search. You can search for grants on TurboSBIR for free and filter based on agency, grant phase, SBIR or STTR program, etc. Sign up here: <a href="https://www.turbosbir.com/" >https://www.turbosbir.com/ </a> 
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References 
<a href="https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Program_Descriptions.pdf" style="word-break: break-all;"> https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Program_Descriptions.pdf</a> 
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf" style="word-break: break-all;"> https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf</a> 
<a href="https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Topics_for_Budget_Waivers.pdf" style="word-break: break-all;"> https://seed.nih.gov/sites/default/files/HHS_Topics_for_Budget_Waivers.pdf</a> 
<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/sites/all/themes/sbir/dawnbreaker/img/documents/Course1-Tutorial3.pdf" style="word-break: break-all;"> https://www.sbir.gov/sites/all/themes/sbir/dawnbreaker/img/documents/Course1-Tutorial3.pdf</a> 

“Funding.”Funding | SBIR.gov,<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/funding"> https://www.sbir.gov/funding</a> 

SBIR.gov,3 Oct. 2022, <a href="https://sbir.gov/"> https://sbir.gov/</a> 





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The process of submitting an SBIR/STTR proposal can be intensive. There are some steps that need to be taken before writing and submitting your proposal. 
 

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SBIR/STTR Application Requirements  

The National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research (NIH SBIR) Program is one of the most popular and competitive application programs for health-related startups/small businesses. Below is everything you need to know about the NIH and how to apply to the NIH SBIR Program 

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NIH OmniBus SBIR/STTR Solicitation: Everything You Need to Know and How to Apply 

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<h2>A Brief History of the SBIR/STTR Program </h2>
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was first established over 40 years ago in 1982. It was put into effect by the Small Business Innovation Development act with its purpose being to increase innovative federal research and development (R&D) across a plethora of federal agencies, each with their own focus topic. 10 years later, a similar program was developed, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, by the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act. Its purpose was similar to that of the SBIR program however, it focused specifically on increasing the commercialization of university and federal research and development. These programs have been extended and renewed multiple times over the years. It was in 2016 that the program was extended all of the way through September 30, 2022 by the National Defense Authorization Act. In 2018 Congress continued to build upon this program by renewing existing pilot programs and developing new ones. These pilot programs authorized the use of SBIR and STTR funds for contract processing needs, and technology testing, development, and commercialization assistance. <div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21sbiragenciessnapshot_6345acf09b3c4_6d6b41ffe9.png" style="width:80%; height:80%"></img> <figcaption>Source: SBIR.gov</figcaption></div>

The SBIR and STTR programs offer large sums of possible funding to new innovative technologies and businesses. Each agency varies in focus area, developing their own solicitation requirements and award maximums. The Small Business Association (SBA) posted an annual report on SBIR awards in FY2019, summarizing the fund distribution of the SBIR/STTR program overall and per agency. The SBIR program spreads across 11 different agencies with a total of 3.3 billion dollars available. This money is made available by taking a small percentage of the agency’s R&D budget, between 1.5% and 3.2%. For instance, the Department of Defense (DoD) is provided the largest amount at almost and has 1.6 billion available in SBIR funding while agencies such as the Department of Education (ED) only offers 10 million. Similarly, the STTR program spreads across 5 different agencies with 429 million dollars of available funding. 82% of this funding is given to the DoD and HHS. <div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;"><img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/21screenshot_20221011_083854_samsungnotes_6345acf44beda_e7c1c75166.jpeg"></img><figcaption>Source: The Small Business Association</figcaption> </div> 



<h2>Program Reauthorization Concern </h2>
The SBIR and STTR programs offer large sums of possible funding to new innovative technologies and businesses. Each agency varies in focus area, developing their own solicitation requirements and award maximums. The Small Business Association (SBA) posted an annual report on SBIR awards in FY2019, summarizing the fund distribution of the SBIR/STTR program overall and per agency. The SBIR program spreads across 11 different agencies with a total of 3.3 billion dollars available. This money is made available by taking a small percentage of the agency’s R&D budget, between 1.5% and 3.2%. For instance, the Department of Defense (DoD) is provided the largest amount at almost and has 1.6 billion available in SBIR funding while agencies such as the Department of Education (ED) only offers 10 million. Similarly, the STTR program spreads across 5 different agencies with 429 million dollars of available funding. 82% of this funding is given to the DoD and HHS. 

The uncertainty around the SBIR/STTR company’s renewal raised concerns throughout many of the agencies. The DoD, for example, canceled a round of SBIR award solicitations. The SBIR program is one of the most successful government funded R&D in the world. Over the past few decades, the SBIR program has been the cause of 70,000 innovative patents and more than 700 public companies. The program has also been one of the largest supports for startups trying to cross the “Valley of Death”, known as the gap between research or proof of concept and commercialization. It is during this period of time that startups struggle with developing prototypes or producing a small batch of products in order to attract private capital or pitch to other government R&D grant programs. The SBIR program has been highly effective at bridging this gap and lowering the risk of investing in promising technologies. 

<h2>2022 Official SBIR/STTR Program Reauthorization</h2>
After many months of debate and uncertainty, on September 29th the House passed legislation reauthorizing the SBIR program with a vote of 415-9. The SBIR/STTR Extension Act of 2022 ensures that the program will not expire for the next 3 years on September 30th, 2025. The act also made some changes to the program that focused on research security to protect from theft from China and other adversarial governments. This means that there will be an increase in reporting requirements and paperwork that forms will be required to complete. The act also states that the program will not make awards to businesses with certain connections to foreign entities. Additionally, it increased the standards for Phase 1 to 2 transition and commercialization for multiple award winners. This means businesses with more than a certain number of prior awards will be required to meet a new set of minimum performance standards before being eligible to receive additional SBIR funding. 




The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Isabella Casillas Guzman, made a statement after the house voted to reauthorize the program: <div style="display: flex;align-items: center; flex-direction:column;">
<img src="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/211200pxisabella_casillas_guzman_sba_administrator_6345acf5adb95_ddc6fd945d.png" style="width:60%; height:60%"></img><figcaption> Head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Isabella Casillas Guzman</figcaption></div>

<blockquote>“Today’s Congressional vote demonstrates overwhelming bipartisan support for the Small Business Innovation Research program which is vital to our nation’s capacity to innovate and improve the lives of all Americans.  When President Biden signs this bill, America’s innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs will have another three years of certainty as they continue to create opportunities which lead to jobs and equity in our nation’s innovation economy.  If past performance of the SBIR program is any guide, new generations of entrepreneurs will be breaking barriers in science, medicine, and technology, while ensuring that the United States maintains its position as an innovation leader at the forefront of science and technology in a rapidly evolving global market.  A new three-year reauthorization for SBIR is a significant win for our nation’s small businesses and the American jobs it supports.”  </blockquote>
 
 Keywords: 

SBIR, Small Business Innovation Research, STTR, DoD, Department of defense, startup funding, Entrepreneurship, award, 

References 
“Congress Reauthorizes the SBIR/STTR Programs.” Congress Reauthorizes the SBIR/STTR Programs | SBIR.gov, 2022,<a href="https://www.sbir.gov/node/2248745#:~:text=A%20new%20three%2Dyear%20reauthorization,through%20the%20SBIR%2FSTTR%20programs" style="word-break: break-all;"> https://www.sbir.gov/node/2248745#:~:text=A%20new%20three%2Dyear%20reauthorization,through%20the%20SBIR%2FSTTR%20programs.</a> 

Murphy, Emily. “Why Congress Should Reauthorize, Strengthen the SBIR Program.”Federal News Network,21 Apr. 2022,<a href="https://federalnewsnetwork.com/commentary/2022/04/why-congress-should-reauthorize-strengthen-the-sbir-program/?readmore=1"> https://federalnewsnetwork.com/commentary/2022/04/why-congress-should-reauthorize-strengthen-the-sbir-program/?readmore=1.</a> 

“S.4900 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): SBIR and Sttr Extension Act of ...” Congress.gov, 
<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117/senate-bill/4900"> https://www.congress.gov/bill/117/senate-bill/4900. </a> 

“SBIR Reauthorization Passed by Congress.” SBTC, 21 Sept. 2022,
<a href=" https://sbtc.org/us-senate-passes-sbir-reauthorization-bill-s-4900/"> https://sbtc.org/us-senate-passes-sbir-reauthorization-bill-s-4900/. </a> 

Wessner, Charles, and Sujai Shivakumar. “Renew SBIR, Just Defend the Recipients against China.” Renew SBIR, Just Defend the Recipients against China | Center for Strategic and International Studies, 6 Oct. 2022,
<a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/renew-sbir-just-defend-recipients-against-china"> https://www.csis.org/analysis/renew-sbir-just-defend-recipients-against-china. </a> 





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The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program has been around for over 40 years. The program has had a huge influence on the marketplace of innovations, backing over 700,000 patents and supporting over 700 unique companies. Earlier this year there was uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the program that was set to expire September30, 2022. Many government officials were concerned about the influence of foreign entities. After much revision and discussion, the program was reauthorized until September 30, 2025.

The SBIR Program Renewal 

<h2> SBIR Data Rights and IP Law </h2>

The Federal SBIR/STTR program awards a total of ~$4B in grants and contracts to startups and small businesses working on innovative technologies. When a company wins an SBIR or STTR award from any Federal agency, the government receives a limited nonexclusive license, or right to use, SBIR Data, but the government generally cannot disclose properly marked SBIR Data to private companies (e.g., the company&rsquo;s competitors).
&nbsp;
This nondisclosure obligation is accompanied by a Data Rights protection period. In its May 2, 2019 SBIR/STTR Policy Directive, SBA changed the Data Rights protection period for both SBIR and STTR funding agreements to a uniform 20-year period that begins on the date of award.
&nbsp;
There are various nuances to this topic, in terms of timing and subject of the IP (for example, 'march in' rights). 
&nbsp;

 <a href="https://turbosbir-images.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/IP+Issues+for+Dual-Use+Ventures+-+Eric+Blatt.pdf" target="_blank"> Click here for more information </a>

Do the >$3.5 billion in SBIR/STTR grants/contracts come with IP strings attached? This is among the most misunderstood, mythical, often ignored (BIG mistake!) issues with the SBIR/STTR program. Come and get the 101 and ask as many questions as you'd like! Make sure all parties, small business, governments, stakeholders, investors etc. are all on the same page with respect to exactly what you're promising to deliver for the grant/contract $.  Learn more! SBIR/STTR Applicants and Winners!  

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SBIR Data Rights and IP Law

Since OmniSync&rsquo;s launch in Aug, 2019, we have been very fortunate to have received some great coverage from San Diego&rsquo;s leading business and startup publications.&nbsp;
<a href="http://sdbj.com/news/2020/feb/11/launch-factory-recruits-leaders-its-would-be-start/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1. San Diego Business Journal (Feb 3. 2020)</a>
<a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/story/2020-01-10/ex-googlers-startup-studio-is-on-the-hunt-for-entrepreneurial-recruits-in-san-diego" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2. San Diego Union Tribune (Jan 10, 2020)</a>
<a href="https://sandiegomics.com/san-diegos-launch-factory-takes-a-turn-toward-biotech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3. San DiegOmics (Aug 28, 2019)</a>
<div><a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/story/2019-08-23/ex-googlers-startup-studio-picks-2-san-diego-scientists-to-lead-first-venture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">4. San Diego Union Tribune (Aug 24, 2019)</a></div>
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Since OmniSync’s launch in Aug, 2019, we have been very fortunate to have received some great coverage from San Diego’s leading business and startup publications.

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