Building a fundable SBIR or federal R&D proposal requires more than innovative thinking—it demands time, expertise, and resources that many early-stage companies simply can’t afford. That’s why the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) created its Phase 0 Fund, a state-funded solution designed to bridge that exact gap.
TL;DR
Maine-based companies preparing SBIR or federal R&D proposals can receive $5,000 to cover direct costs related to proposal development. Funds may be used for consultants, travel, or market reports. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks before the target agency’s deadline and include a draft proposal for MTI review.
Proposal development is resource-intensive, even before funding begins
Founders in Maine know that pursuing federal funding is a strategic move—but it comes with real costs. From expert consulting and technical writing to purchasing market intelligence or covering travel, the planning phase can create financial strain before funding is ever awarded.
Startups often find themselves choosing between bootstrapping their proposal or delaying submission entirely. That’s where MTI’s Phase 0 Fund becomes a valuable tool.
Maine-based startups can now request up to $5,000 to strengthen their federal proposals
The MTI Phase 0 Fund offers up to $5,000 in reimbursable funds to support the development of proposals for SBIR, STTR, and other federal R&D programs. This includes:
- Consultant and External Resource Provider (ERP) fees
- Travel expenses for consultants or ERPs
- Costs for purchasing essential market research or reports
All Phase 0 recipients are required to submit a completed proposal to a federal agency, and they must also submit a draft to MTI’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) team at least two weeks prior to the federal deadline. MTI works directly with teams to refine and improve submissions before the final send-off.
A Portland-based cleantech startup recently leveraged MTI’s $5,000 Phase 0 Fund to hire a consultant and purchase critical market research for its first SBIR proposal. With MTI’s support and TAP team review, they submitted a polished, competitive application on schedule.
Strengthen your submission while maintaining flexibility and control
The Phase 0 Fund is ideal for founders in the pre-seed or planning stage who need to allocate dollars toward proposal support but want to maintain equity and control. It’s designed to give teams the ability to invest in high-quality proposals—without compromising timelines or taking on debt.
The program is reviewed internally by MTI and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Draft proposals must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the intended agency deadline, and final funding decisions are typically issued within 10 business days.
Without early investment, your proposal may lack competitiveness
Failing to invest in your proposal development process can mean falling short in highly competitive federal review cycles. Low-quality proposals miss the mark on technical precision, fail to demonstrate market awareness, or simply get buried among better-prepared submissions.
The Phase 0 Fund exists specifically to help startups overcome this gap by turning good ideas into fundable opportunities.
Tap into state support to elevate your federal funding strategy
If you’re a Maine entrepreneur preparing to submit to NSF, NIH, DoD, or any other federal R&D agency, this is an opportunity worth exploring. With an award ceiling of $5,000, rapid review, and targeted TAP team support, MTI offers both funding and feedback at the right time.
Just remember: your application must be in at least two weeks before your federal proposal deadline, and you must be prepared to collaborate with MTI reviewers on your draft.
Ready to apply or need a plan? We’re here to guide your next move
To get started, visit the official MTI Phase 0 Fund page. Still aligning your SBIR schedule or unsure what to include in your Phase 0 submission? Schedule a consult call with our team to talk strategy.
We help clients leverage early-stage funding to win at the federal level
Our team has helped dozens of startups across the U.S. access state-level resources to secure national funding. We understand what makes SBIR proposals fundable, and we work with clients to align state support with long-term funding strategy. MTI’s Phase 0 Fund is a proven tool for Maine startups ready to scale into federal pipelines.
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