Inside of the Head of an SBIR / STTR Evaluator

America’s Seed Fund Week 2026 in May 2026, brought us some helpful videos to help you on your SBIR/STTR journey.

SBIR/STTR Reauthorization | What Evaluators Look For in Proposals | America’s Seed Fund Week 2026

Important, this video contains information on the 2026 SBIR/STTR re-authorization. Got to 34:30 Panel: Inside the Head of an Evaluator for the important panel on evaluators (reviewers) and their perspective.

May 20, 2026

What’s changing with SBIR/STTR reauthorization, and what do evaluators actually want to see in your proposal? This video covers both. Recorded during Day 2 of America’s Seed Fund Week 2026, this session breaks down the key updates to the SBIR/STTR reauthorization and what they mean for small businesses, innovators, and participating agencies. Then, agency program managers pull back the curtain on the evaluation process — sharing what makes a proposal stand out, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for putting together a strong submission. Essential viewing for anyone preparing an SBIR or STTR proposal.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to Day 2

3:07 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Overview

34:30 Panel: Inside the Head of an Evaluator

I’ve been a reviewer of many, many Phase I and Phase II proposals and this is good stuff and worth your time. If you want our structured approach to SBIR/STTR, check out our online course, Develop a Winning SBIR Strategy , get our super helpful 40 Ways to Improve your SBIR/STTR proposal! And if you would like a more personal review of your proposal or of feedback you received to an SBIR or STTR proposal, email us at
venturewrenchcommunity [at] gmail.com.

CLASSIC and timely: Inside the Head of an SBIR/STTR Reviewer

America’s Seed Fund Week is the name for the overall collection of SBIR/STTR programs. VentureWrench has recapped a panel discussion “Inside the Head of an Evaluator” which is always helpful to understand as you prepare a proposal! This one is from the 2023 Seed Fund week, but the evaluator viewpoint is still relevant (and very stable over time)!

I’ve been a reviewer of many, many Phase I and Phase II proposals and this is good stuff and worth your time. (If you want our structured approach to SBIR/STTR, check out our online course, Develop a Winning SBIR Strategy, get our super helpful 40 Ways to Improve your SBIR/STTR proposal! And if you would like a more personal review of your proposal or of feedback you received to an SBIR or STTR proposal, email us at venturewrenchcommunity [at] gmail.com)

For insights into the latest NSF solicitations and process, visit our NSF SBIR/STTR Page.

For a LOT of info on NIH, visit our NIH SBIR/STTR Page.

Details on the Department of Energy updated SBIR/STTR Program are found on our DOE SBIR/STTR Page.

If you want advice and support as you build out your team, check out our StartupTherapy™ Resources and Help page!

Designer Investor Resources – Fundamentals of Raising Startup Capital is another summary page of great resources to help you if you are raising capital from investors.

Don’t forget, if you need more help, check out our online course, Develop a Winning SBIR Strategy, and don’t forget your free guide below! It is truly unique in the industry, make sure to grab your copy!