The SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference
Welcome back to the Innovator's Labyrinth, where I offer actionable nondilutive-funding info and insights to the startup and small business community. In each edition, I share current funding opportunities, lessons learned from my experience as a grant writer and commercialization strategist, services available from Labyrinth Consulting, and other resources for founders. I'm looking forward to helping you find your way!
Lessons Learned
Start your company registrations today.
Before you can submit a grant application to the US Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, you'll need to register your company on sam.gov, grants.gov, and sba.gov., in addition to agency-specific portals such as eRA Commons (National Institutes of Health), DSIP (Department of Defense), and others. But be aware that completing these registrations can take 6–8 weeks.
If you have even the slightest inkling that you might one day want to submit an SBIR proposal, start your company registrations now. Too many founders decide to apply for a grant without having registered their companies on the appropriate portals and then have to watch grant deadlines pass while they're stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Don't wait to start the process, and if you need help, particularly with the System for Award Management (SAM), connect with your local APEX Accelerator. They're experts in this system and will be glad to guide you through it.
Insights from the SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference
Last month I attended the spring SBIR/STTR conference in Austin, including a day-long grant-writing workshop. I came away with many new insights into the agencies and application process, but I was struck by one overwhelming message: program officers want to hear from you.
Agency after agency emphasized that they want future principal investigators to reach out to them to discuss specific research ideas and proposal fit with agency needs. However, different agencies have different rules about when they can talk to applicants: NIH program officers would like to meet with you at least a month before the grant deadline but can talk right up to the point of submission. In contrast, your DOD contact may have specific windows in which they're able to answer questions and after which they're not allowed to communicate. Other agencies have different rules, so be sure to find out how your target agency operates, and then schedule a meeting. Talking to a program expert is only going to make your proposal stronger!
Service Highlight
Are you struggling to understand the grant-funding landscape? Labyrinth Consulting offers grant-research services tailored to your company's needs. Packages include an introductory conversation, a spreadsheet summarizing relevant funding opportunities, and a follow-up call. We also offer research subscriptions that bring monthly opportunity updates to your inbox. Learn more!
“Sarah took the time to understand our unique situation and identified opportunities that directly align with our cause. Her ability to filter through the noise and pinpoint viable options makes her an invaluable resource.”
Resources
Check out my fully accessible presentation for the National Disability Institute on Understanding and Preparing Grant Applications: Effective Grant-Writing and Application Tips.
Let’s Talk!
Program officers are being flooded with low-quality AI-generated grant applications—and they can tell who's writing the proposals they read. Distinguish your proposal by working with a professional who will help you strategize your approach, craft your narrative, and navigate the application process. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your funding strategy.