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:
Strategic Agency Alignment - Matching your innovation to the right agency and topic
Reviewer-Focused Writing - Structuring proposals to address reviewer criteria directly
Technical-Commercial Balance - Ensuring both innovation and commercialization are clearly articulated
Budget Clarity - Developing realistic, well-justified budgets that align with project needs
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
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
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:
Strategic Agency Selection - We help match your technology to the optimal agency and topic
Proposal Architecture - We structure your proposal to directly address evaluation criteria
Technical-Commercial Balance - We ensure both innovation and market potential are clearly articulated
Timeline Management - We create structured workflows to ensure on-time submission
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
Discovery - We learn about your technology and innovation
Strategy - We identify the best funding opportunities and approach
Development - We work together to create a compelling application
Review - We refine and strengthen all aspects of your proposal
Submission - We ensure a complete and compliant final application
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.
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.