Small Business Resources: Applicants
The following resources may be helpful to small business considering SBIR and STTR funding.
Applicant Resources
Tips for Applying for Small Business Funding
Small business representatives may benefit from additional guidance when they embark on the application process for SBIR and STTR programs. Here are some tips that can help streamline the process:
- Understand SBIR/STTR programs: Familiarize yourself with the SBIR and STTR program eligibility criteria, find valuable information about the program structure, and view recent webinars to learn more about the selection process and review criteria.
- NIH SBIR and STTR Website: This website provides a wealth of information and resources for SBIR and STTR programs at NIH.
- Clear all administrative requirements: Register your small business with SAM.gov (including your Unique Entity ID, or UEI), Grants.gov, SBA Company Registry, and NIH eRA Commons as soon as possible. Principal investigators also must individually register with NIH eRA Commons. Consider getting certified as a women-owned small business, if you are eligible. Certification information is used for federal tracking purposes only to help NCATS and other NIH institutes and centers gain a better understanding of applicant demographics.
- Check out these tutorials and FAQs:
- eRA Commons Help and Tutorials: This page provides resources to help you navigate eRA systems, including step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.
- eRA Commons FAQs: Find answers to common questions about using the eRA Commons system.
- Identify SBIR/STTR funding opportunities: Review our open SBIR and STTR grant and contract funding opportunities and topics of interest. Companies that focus on multiple priority areas or on topics not listed are strongly encouraged to contact NCATS-SBIRSTTR@mail.nih.gov to ensure the technology is relevant and of priority to NCATS.
- Submit on time: Applications can take up to 3 months to complete and submit. Avoid last-minute stress by planning ahead.
- Check out these resources on how to submit an application:
- Check out these tutorials and FAQs:
For more information, review the NIH Small Business Funding Application Process Infographic.
Sample SBIR/STTR Applications from NCATS
NCATS is pleased to offer this valuable resource of sample applications to the small business community. Seeing how successful applicants have presented their ideas brings a wholly new perspective to our own application preparation. In that spirit, with the gracious permission of successful grant applicants, NCATS and other Institutes at NIH provide below samples of funded applications, summary statements, data or resource sharing plans, leadership plans and more.
In addition to the current samples of applications that have been graciously shared by NCATS-funded investigators, more samples are in development and will be added here in the future.
- Molecular Express, Inc.
- Summary Statement (PDF - 175KB)
When referring to these resources, it is important to remember:
- These applications were developed using the application forms and instructions that were in effect at the time of their submission. Forms and instructions change regularly.
- Read and carefully follow the instructions in the notice of funding opportunity to which you are responding.
- Read and carefully follow the current application instructions.
- The best way to present your science may differ substantially from the approach taken by those who wrote the example applications. Seek feedback on your draft application from mentors and others.
- Samples are not available for all grant programs. Many programs have common elements, and the available samples can still provide helpful information.
- Email us for advice and to determine if your proposed technology fits the NCATS mission.