SBIR Grant Funding and Expert Support for Your Application

The SBIR Grant Challenge

Securing SBIR funding is increasingly competitive. With acceptance rates hovering around 15% for Phase I and 30-40% for Phase II, even groundbreaking innovations often face rejection due to proposal structure and presentation rather than technical merit.

The difference between funded and unfunded SBIR applications often comes down to proposal quality, not technology quality.

A Methodical Approach to SBIR Applications

At Salish Sea Consulting, we bring a structured, detail-oriented approach to SBIR grant applications. Our methodology focuses on understanding agency priorities, reviewer perspectives, and the critical elements that make proposals stand out.

What Makes a Competitive SBIR Application

Based on our research of successful applications and agency guidelines, we focus on:

  1. Strategic Agency Alignment - Matching your innovation to the right agency and topic

  2. Reviewer-Focused Writing - Structuring proposals to address reviewer criteria directly

  3. Technical-Commercial Balance - Ensuring both innovation and commercialization are clearly articulated

  4. Budget Clarity - Developing realistic, well-justified budgets that align with project needs

  5. Compliance Excellence - Ensuring all requirements and guidelines are meticulously followed

 

Types of Grants Available for Startups

Federal Grants

Key Features: Highly competitive, specific focus areas
Typical Funding Range: $50,000 - $1.5M+

State/Local Grants

Key Features: Targeted to economic development in specific regions
Typical Funding Range: $5,000 - $250,000

Private/Corporate Grants

Key Features: Often industry-specific, may require less paperwork
Typical Funding Range: $10,000 - $100,000

Specialty Grants

Key Features: Focus on demographics (women, minorities, veterans)
Typical Funding Range: $5,000 - $250,000

SBIR/STTR Grants

Key Features: Research and development focused, phased funding
Typical Funding Range: Up to $2M+ (across phases)

SBIR Program Structure

Phase I: Feasibility Study

Funding Amount: Up to $275,000
Duration: 6-12 months

Phase II: Full R&D

Funding Amount: Up to $1.8 million
Duration: 2 years

Phase III: Commercialization

Funding Amount: No SBIR funds (private/other)
Duration: Varies

 

Our SBIR Grant Funding Services

Choose the support level that matches your needs:

SBIR Application Review Package

Perfect for teams with an existing draft who need expert validation and improvement.

What's Included:

  • Comprehensive review based on agency guidelines

  • Detailed feedback on proposal strengths and weaknesses

  • Line-by-line improvement recommendations

  • Alignment assessment with evaluation criteria

  • 60-minute review call to discuss improvements

  • Pre-submission support for last-minute questions

Book Your Review →

SBIR Application Development Package

Ideal for busy teams who want expert guidance throughout the application process.

What's Included:

  • Everything in the Review Package, plus:

  • Kickoff strategy session (2 hours)

  • Agency and topic selection guidance

  • Application outline development

  • Technical narrative support

  • Commercial narrative development

  • Budget development and justification

  • Additional supporting documents preparation

  • Two rounds of comprehensive revisions

  • Final submission preparation

  • Post-submission support

Schedule Consultation →

SBIR Strategy Consulting

Perfect for teams that need targeted expertise for specific application challenges.

What's Included:

  • Flexible consulting hours

  • Agency-specific guidance

  • Technical or commercial narrative focus

  • Budget development support

  • Application strategy

  • Use hours as needed throughout the process

Why SBIR Applications Need Expert Support

The SBIR Application Reality

According to the Small Business Administration and agency reports:

  • The average SBIR Phase I application takes 80-120 hours to complete

  • Most first-time applicants underestimate the complexity of the process

  • Technical experts often struggle with the unique format and expectations of government proposals

  • Even brilliant innovations can be rejected due to compliance issues or unclear commercialization plans

My Process Makes the Difference

Our methodical approach follows proven proposal development practices:

  1. Strategic Agency Selection - We help match your technology to the optimal agency and topic

  2. Proposal Architecture - We structure your proposal to directly address evaluation criteria

  3. Technical-Commercial Balance - We ensure both innovation and market potential are clearly articulated

  4. Timeline Management - We create structured workflows to ensure on-time submission

  5. Compliance Review - We verify all requirements are met before submission

SBIR Application Resources

Download our free resources to improve your SBIR application:

  • SBIR Agency Selection Guide - Find the right match for your technology

  • Proposal Structure Template - Framework for organizing your application

  • Budget Worksheet - Calculate and justify your funding request

  • Common Mistakes Checklist - Avoid typical pitfalls that lead to rejection

[Download Resources →]

What to Expect When Working With Us

Our Collaborative Process

  1. Discovery - We learn about your technology and innovation

  2. Strategy - We identify the best funding opportunities and approach

  3. Development - We work together to create a compelling application

  4. Review - We refine and strengthen all aspects of your proposal

  5. Submission - We ensure a complete and compliant final application

  6. Follow-up - We help interpret results and plan next steps

Client Perspectives

While we're building our track record with SBIR clients, here's what clients say about our consulting approach:

"The Salish Sea team brought clarity to our complex project. Their attention to detail and structured approach made all the difference in our presentation to stakeholders." — Technology Startup CEO

"Their methodical process helped us transform our technical concepts into clear, compelling documents. They ask the right questions and truly understand how to communicate complex ideas." — Engineering Firm Director

The Next Step is a Free 15-Minute Consultation

Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your technology and determine if SBIR funding is right for your company. We'll provide honest feedback about your potential fit for SBIR funding.

Schedule Now

During this consultation, we'll discuss:

  • Your technology and innovation

  • Potential agency alignment

  • Timeline considerations

  • Appropriate support options

  • Next steps in the process

Salish Sea Consulting provides expert support for innovative companies seeking non-dilutive SBIR/STTR funding. While we cannot guarantee funding success, we bring structure, expertise, and attention to detail to maximize your application's competitiveness.

About Salish Sea Consulting

Salish Sea Consulting combines deep technical knowledge with grant writing expertise to help innovative companies navigate complex funding processes. Our detail-oriented approach and commitment to excellence guide clients through the challenging but rewarding SBIR application journey.

Learn More About Us →

 
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