TL;DR:
Maine Technology Institute (MTI) offers a Phase 0 TAP grant up to $5,000 for small businesses applying to SBIR/STTR programs. Maine-based R&D innovators in specific industries can use the funds for expert support, including grant writing. With rolling deadlines and an accessible process, it’s a smart way to increase your odds of success.
R&D in Maine? You Might Qualify for a $5K Head Start
Small business innovators in Maine often face the same early-stage barrier: limited resources to prepare competitive federal grant proposals. This is especially true for SBIR and STTR applications, where preparation makes all the difference.
MTI’s SBIR/STTR Technical Assistance Program (TAP), also called the Phase 0 Grant Program, was built for exactly this hurdle, by providing up to $5,000 for expert support, such as grant writers or technical consultants. MTI is actively working to level the playing field and raise Maine’s national presence in innovation funding.
You Know, Federal Funding is Competitive. Here’s the Edge You Need.
Federal agencies don’t wait for perfect proposals. Deadlines pass quickly, and without solid technical writing or review, high-potential projects often miss the mark. MTI knows that early-stage entrepreneurs need real support to clear the federal bar. This grant is tailored for just that.
Eligible applicants must be Maine-based small businesses with active R&D in one of MTI’s seven targeted sectors. If that’s you, this mini-grant offers the competitive edge you’ve been looking for—whether it’s a review of your aims, narrative structuring, or regulatory language.
Without Early-Stage Support, You Risk Missing the Window
Ignoring this funding pathway doesn’t just mean passing on $5,000. It means risking your entire SBIR/STTR strategy. Without tailored guidance, early-stage applicants can fall short—not for lack of innovation, but for lack of preparation.
The gap isn’t in your vision. It’s in your proposal’s polish, clarity, and responsiveness to federal priorities. MTI recognizes this and is offering a solution that reduces that risk at no cost to your core operations.
Tap into Expert Support, Increase Your Win Rate
MTI’s Phase 0 TAP is not just money—it’s momentum. The funding lets you engage expert grant writers or technical reviewers who can elevate your application to meet the rigorous expectations of agencies like NIH, NSF, and DoD.
Funds are distributed on a rolling basis, with an approximate one-month review window. There’s no long application cycle. You focus on science, and MTI supports your submission.
If you’re based in Maine, working on R&D, and eyeing federal non-dilutive funding, you owe it to your work to explore this opportunity. https://www.mainetechnology.org/
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.