The Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) program is a valuable resource for small businesses participating in the SBIR and STTR programs. However, there are some common misconceptions about the program that can lead to confusion. In this blog post, we will address these misconceptions and provide clarity on the TABA program.
Misconception 1: TABA is Only About Funding
While TABA does provide funding for technical and business assistance, it is not the only support offered by the program. TABA also offers a range of services, such as product sales, intellectual property protections, market research, market validation, and the development of regulatory plans and manufacturing plans.
Misconception 2: TABA is Available for All SBIR/STTR Agencies
Although many SBIR/STTR agencies offer the TABA program, not all agencies provide this support. It is essential to review agency solicitations to understand their implementation of the TABA program and determine if it is available for your specific project.
Misconception 3: TABA Funding Can Be Used for Any Purpose
TABA funding has specific limitations and cannot be used for any purpose. For example, awardees who receive TABA funding through their grant award cannot utilize centralized NIH TABA services for the phase of the SBIR/STTR that received TABA funding.
Misconception 4: TABA is Only for Phase I Projects
TABA funding is available for both Phase I and Phase II projects. Small businesses can request TABA funding in both phases within their Fast-Track application, up to the specified amounts for each phase.
Misconception 5: TABA is Automatically Awarded
TABA funding is not automatically awarded to SBIR/STTR awardees. Small businesses must request TABA funding and provide a detailed description of the technical or business assistance their vendor will provide, including the name of the vendor and the expected benefits and results of the technical or business assistance provided in the Budget Justification. In conclusion, understanding the common misconceptions about the TABA program can help you make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of this valuable resource for your small business. By reviewing agency solicitations and understanding the specific implementation of the TABA program, you can ensure that you are taking full advantage of the support available to you.
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