SBIR/STTR reauthorization will be completed shortly. If you receive our newsletter, you can see DoD/DoW already has topics in pre-release! So, smart teams are getting ready to propose, because we expect the submission timelines to be compressed for this first round of deadlines. Below, we’ve included lots of information to help you create a competitive proposal!
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 Phse 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)
NIH Specific Insights
SBA ESO colleagues of ours recently provided some helpful NIH SBIR/STTR Budgeting Tips! We appreciate their sharing this content. I’ll note that the main principles outlined here also apply to most SBIR programs. If you’d like more details on developing a competitive SBIR proposal, consider our online course, Develop a Winning SBIR Strategy, and don’t forget your free guide below!
Here is a copy of the slide handout and a copy of an NIH budget template for your reference. I will note that I created a spreadsheet that makes entering and calculating all of this much easier. Those of you enrollled in our online course, Develop a Winning SBIR Strategy, receive a copy of the magic spreadsheet to save you a lot of time! And don’t forget to Get our free guide “40 Ways to Improve your SBIR/STTR proposal!
In June of 2025 (before the program shutdown), the NIH conducted a titled “The NIH Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) is Open for Business Webinar”. This was a lenghty discussion (excerpted by our team) of the NIH SBIR/STTR program with hints and tips on how to apply, how the program is structured, key issues etc. We’ve recapped it below as the core elements are still relevant with new open solicitations coming.
The NIH provided both the slides from the webinar and a Webinar Transcript for your reference.
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!
Interested in creating an SBIR proposal?
Click to Get our free guide “40 Ways to Improve your SBIR/STTR proposal!
