Navigating the SBIR/STTR application process can be complex, especially for small businesses that are new to federal funding. Between writing a compelling technical narrative, crafting a detailed budget, and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, the process requires a significant investment of time and expertise. Hiring a professional consultant can provide valuable support, but it’s important to understand when it makes sense and how to make the most of this collaboration.
When to Consider Working with a Consultant
There are key points in the grant application process where hiring a consultant may be beneficial:
1. Limited Internal Resources
If your team lacks experience with grant writing or is already stretched thin by day-to-day operations, bringing in a consultant can free up your time while ensuring that the proposal is completed on schedule.
2. Navigating Complex Requirements
SBIR/STTR solicitations often have detailed and nuanced requirements, from the Letter of Intent (LOI) to submission formats and page limits. A consultant with SBIR/STTR expertise can guide you through these requirements and supply the knowledge to avoid errors that could disqualify your application.
3. Developing a Competitive Commercialization Plan
One of the most challenging parts of the SBIR/STTR process is creating a robust commercialization plan that demonstrates how your innovation will transition from research to market. Consultants with experience in business strategy and market analysis can strengthen this section of your proposal.
4. Pursuing a Resubmission
If your previous application was not funded, a consultant can provide an objective review of the feedback and suggest revisions to improve your chances of success in the next round.
Pros of Hiring a Consultant
- Expert Guidance: Consultants bring specialized knowledge of SBIR/STTR programs and agency priorities.
- Time Savings: By outsourcing the proposal process, your team can focus on core business activities.
- Higher Quality Proposals: Professional grant writers can refine your narrative to make it clearer and more persuasive.
- Improved Compliance: Consultants ensure that your proposal meets formatting, registration, and submission guidelines.
Cons of Hiring a Consultant
- Cost: Working with a consultant requires an upfront financial investment.
- Learning Curve: Relying solely on external support may limit your team’s opportunity to build internal expertise.
- Fit: Not all consultants have experience with your specific industry or innovation type, so selecting the right partner is essential.
How to Collaborate Effectively with a Consultant
To get the most out of your partnership, it’s important to approach the collaboration strategically:
- Clarify Goals and Expectations: Be clear about what you want to achieve and the consultant’s role in the process.
- Share Background Information: Provide the consultant with key details about your business, team, and technology to ensure they have the context needed to craft a strong proposal.
- Maintain Open Communication: Regular check-ins help keep the project on track and address any questions or concerns.
- Review Drafts and Provide Feedback: Collaborate closely to ensure the proposal reflects your vision and aligns with your business goals.
Choosing the Right Consultant
When selecting a consultant, consider the following:
- Experience with SBIR/STTR: Look for someone who has successfully prepared applications for the agency you’re targeting.
- Industry Knowledge: A consultant familiar with your field can better understand the nuances of your innovation.
- Track Record: Ask for references or examples of past successes.
Consultants are not always what they seem to be on the surface. Through our firm’s own secret shopper experience to rate our competitors, we discovered that many consultant firms employ foreign nationals, are composed mainly of 1099 contractors which are not subject to the same liability and NDA regulations as W2s, and that many are secretly owned by a parent company. Shady. Smart startups do their research on consulting firms and ask relevant questions to ensure all practices are on the up and up.
When DIY May Be the Right Approach
For startups with experienced grant writers on their team or businesses pursuing smaller, less complex funding opportunities, managing the application process internally may be feasible. In these cases, using templates, agency webinars, and other resources can provide guidance without needing external support.
Maximizing Your Chances of Success
The decision to hire a consultant depends on your business’s capacity, experience, and goals. Whether you choose to work with a professional or take a do-it-yourself approach, preparation and a clear strategy are key to submitting a competitive proposal.
At E.B. Howard Consulting, we collaborate with small businesses to create detailed, data-driven SBIR/STTR proposals that meet program requirements and stand out to reviewers. If you’re considering working with a consultant to strengthen your next submission, contact us today. Together, we can position your business for long-term funding success.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.