The process of competing for and winning a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant is an undertaking that requires a serious committment in planning and execution. The following describes the process of planning, writing, submitting and finally, obtaining an SBIR award.
Getting an SBIR requires more than what you would expect. The experts maintain that embarking on the SBIR process is an undertaking that requires a tremedous effort. Those experts are correct and the advice they give should be taken seriously.
Small companies look to the SBIR as a mechanism to provide funding for research and development and ultimately, commercialization of the research and development efforts. The SBIR grant mechanism helps small business concerns obtain funding to establish feasibility in a particular market. As such, the guidelines for obtaining SBIR funding must be adhered to throughout the entire process.
A small company that receives funding through the SBIR program must use the funding to commercialize research and development efforts in the given area for which the funding was obtained. Translation, establish a market and sell your products that are developed from the funding. Keep in mind that the Federal Government is investing the taxpayers money in your company and they (the Feds and taxpayers) expect a return on their investment.
Throughout the entire process I have made every effor to document the experience from beginning to end and such, the work in still in progress.
1. Establish a Small Business
The first oder of business is to establish a small business entity that qualifies for an SBIR. The small business must be less than 500 employees, located in the United States, be 51% owned by or operated by a U.S. citizen and meet the administrative requirements set forth in the Code of Federal Regualtions 45 CFR Part 74.
2. Decide if the SBIR grant mechanism is for you and your small business
3. The electronic submission process.
4. Peer review
5. Notice of grant award
6. Gaining access to the SBIR funds