TL;DR:
The Colorado SBDC TechSource Commercialization program offers up to $1,000 to women-owned, minority-owned, or rural-based science and technology businesses in Colorado to cover SBIR/STTR proposal development costs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Federal Proposals Require Investment: Colorado Is Lowering the Barrier for Underserved Founders
Writing a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal is no small feat. The process demands technical clarity, regulatory awareness, and business planning, which often require third-party expertise. For small businesses in rural areas or those led by women or minorities, this upfront cost can be an early barrier to entry.
The Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) TechSource program created the Commercialization: Proposal Assistance Funding initiative to fill that gap. The program provides up to $1,000 per business to offset costs associated with hiring a proposal consultant or grant writer.
Designed for Colorado Innovators
This program is aimed at helping Colorado-based science and tech companies that are:
- Women-owned
- Minority-owned
- Rural-based
Preference is given to first-time SBIR/STTR applicants and those using Colorado-headquartered service providers, which helps reinvest in the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Eligible companies can work with approved vendors or choose their own expert. Funds may be used in advance of services, with SBDC paying the consultant directly via invoice submission.
When You Skip Proposal Support, You Risk Undermining Your Idea
The gap between strong science and SBIR success often comes down to underprepared proposals. Without dedicated support, founders may struggle to align their concept with agency criteria or present a viable commercialization pathway.
This small but timely funding can close that gap, particularly for entrepreneurs who often face additional barriers to accessing technical assistance.
A rural Colorado engineering startup recently used the SBDC TechSource Commercialization program to hire a grant consultant for its first SBIR Phase I proposal. With $1,000 in covered costs, the team strengthened its submission and gained clarity on both eligibility and commercialization strategy.
Apply Now: Funding Is Limited and Applications Are Reviewed on a Rolling Basis
Applications are reviewed as they are received, and awards are made annually until funds are exhausted. Businesses should apply as early as possible to ensure consideration. Awards are capped at $1,000 per business.
To begin, visit the proposal assistance program page or reach out through the TechSource contact portal.
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.