Many early-stage companies in Utah have the ideas—but not the capital—to submit a strong SBIR/STTR proposal. The Utah Innovation Center recognizes this gap and offers a timely solution: the Utah Technology Innovation Fund (UTIF), which provides microgrants to cover key proposal development costs for first-time SBIR/STTR Phase I applicants.
TL;DR
Utah-based small businesses submitting their first SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal can receive a $3,000 to $5,000 microgrant through UTIF to cover grant writing and related preparation costs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
First-time SBIR applicants need early support to become competitive
SBIR and STTR programs can be transformational—but getting that first application out the door is often the hardest step. Proposal development takes time, strategic thinking, and specialized writing. For first-time applicants, the process can be both confusing and expensive.
That’s where Utah’s UTIF microgrant program comes in.
The Utah Innovation Center offers $3K–$5K microgrants for SBIR proposal prep
Through the Utah Technology Innovation Fund (UTIF), the state provides microgrants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 to offset costs related to:
- Grant writing and editing
- Proposal development strategy
- Agency alignment and compliance reviews
This program is exclusive to Utah-based businesses applying for their first SBIR or STTR Phase I award. The application process is straightforward and managed internally by the Utah Innovation Center.
Funding is non-dilutive, and support is designed to increase the competitiveness of Utah startups in the national SBIR/STTR pipeline.
A Salt Lake City startup utilized a $5K UTIF microgrant to hire a grant writer and secure legal support for their first NSF SBIR submission. The result? A well-structured proposal that earned them a $275K Phase I award—propelling their innovative AI platform into pilot testing.
Strengthen your first SBIR/STTR submission without stretching your budget
Startups often delay SBIR submissions due to cost. UTIF makes it possible to move forward with professional-level proposals—without sacrificing limited runway or pulling team members off of technical work.
With a funding range of $3,000 to $5,000, most or all of your proposal development costs can be covered. That includes hiring a consultant or grant writer, paying for internal labor hours, or preparing required financial and business documents.
Without support, most first-time proposals fall short of fundability
The SBIR/STTR review process is rigorous, and first-time applicants are at a disadvantage without guidance. Poor formatting, weak commercialization plans, or vague technical milestones can quickly sink a promising idea.
UTIF directly addresses this by funding the support services that turn concepts into fundable submissions.
Apply for UTIF and build your first proposal with structure and support
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and decisions are made by internal reviewers. To qualify, your business must:
- Be headquartered in Utah
- Be submitting a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal for the first time
There is no match requirement, and IP ownership is not impacted. The fund simply supports your ability to write and submit a strong application.
Ready to take your first step into the SBIR/STTR ecosystem?
Learn more or begin your application by visiting the Utah Innovation Center’s UTIF page. If you’re aligning this opportunity with a specific solicitation or want to discuss grant writing partnerships, schedule a consult call with our team for next-step planning.
EB Howard helps first-time applicants nationwide move from idea to award
We specialize in supporting first-time SBIR/STTR applicants and understand the challenges new teams face. With programs like UTIF, founders in Utah can access critical resources at exactly the right time. We’re here to make sure you use them strategically and effectively.
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.