Winning SBIR/STTR Grants:
A Ten-Week Plan for Preparing Your NSF Phase I Application Second Edition
By: Lu Lu, Ph.D.
Authored by a team of expert grant writers at Eva Garland Consulting, this new 2nd edition of Winning SBIR/STTR Grants is a practical, step-by-step ten-week roadmap to help entrepreneurs prepare a competitive NSF Phase I proposal. It breaks down the full process—from Project Pitch to submission—into a manageable timeline, with clear instructions on registrations, required documents, and proposal development.
Key Updates in the 2nd Edition
- The maximum budget has increased to $305,000 (previously $275,000).
- Letters of Support are no longer accepted; however, Letters of Commitment from subawardees and consultants remain required.
- The Project Description section order has been revised to: Intellectual Merits, Company/Team, Broader Impacts, and Commercialization Potential.
- The “Beat-the-Odds Boot Camp” is no longer offered; applicants may instead allocate up to $25,000 for participation in NSF I-Corps™.
- SciENcv is now required for Biosketch and Current & Pending Support documents; applicants must also submit a new 1-page “Synergistic Activities” document.
- Project Pitch sections now have character limits instead of word limits.
- Full Applications must be submitted within two deadlines of pitch acceptance.
Why This Book Will Help You Win
- Provides a structured 10-week plan to complete your application on time.
- Helps you fully understand the Program Solicitation before applying.
- Guides you in building the right team (science, engineering, regulatory, business, etc.).
- Explains the role of NSF Program Directors and how to work with them effectively.
“Our goal is to demystify the NSF SBIR/STTR process and give entrepreneurs a clear, actionable plan to succeed. This second edition reflects the most up-to-date requirements and is designed to help applicants be more competitive in securing federal funding.”
About the NSF SBIR/STTR Program
Often referred to as America’s Seed Fund, the NSF’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program invests more than $200 million annually in early-stage, high-risk, high-impact technology startups. Each year, the program supports approximately 400 companies across the United States, enabling them to pursue breakthrough technologies in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. NSF awardees have collectively attracted billions in follow-on private investment and built multi-billion-dollar industries.
The 2nd edition of Winning SBIR/STTR Grants: A Ten-Week Plan for Preparing Your NSF Phase I Application is now available for purchase on Amazon.