TL;DR:
Nebraska offers a $5,000 Phase 0 grant to help small businesses prepare high-quality SBIR/STTR proposals. Funds can cover expert services like grant writing or technical review. If your startup is Nebraska-based and applying for Phase I SBIR/STTR, you may qualify.
Federal Grants Are Within Reach, When You Have the Right Support
SBIR and STTR programs offer transformative non-dilutive capital. For small businesses in Nebraska, these opportunities can fast-track R&D goals and fund groundbreaking technology. Yet, strong proposals rarely write themselves.
The Nebraska SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Grant, offered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, ensures early-stage applicants don’t walk into the federal funding arena empty-handed. The program provides up to $5,000 in funding to secure proposal preparation support, because a brilliant idea deserves a well-built application.
DED may award up to $4 million per year in the SBIR/STTR program. With Phase 0 grants at ~$5,000 each, that means up to 800 applicants could be awarded in any given year!
Turn Your Idea Into a Winning Proposal With Expert Guidance
Successful SBIR/STTR submissions require technical precision, clear alignment with agency priorities, and compelling narratives. The Phase 0 grant can be used for a range of expert services, including grant writing, budget development, and scientific review.
This isn’t just about meeting deadlines—it’s about boosting proposal quality to improve your odds of funding. With this grant, Nebraska small businesses can hire professionals who understand agency expectations and tailor each section for maximum reviewer impact.
Ignoring Proposal Quality Could Cost You a Funding Round
Not using this opportunity could widen the gap between your innovation and its federal potential. Even minor proposal issues can derail a submission, especially in ultra-competitive SBIR/STTR programs.
Without expert input, even strong projects risk missing critical reviewer criteria. That means longer timelines, missed funding cycles, and delays in advancing your tech. The Phase 0 grant closes that gap before it opens.
Use Nebraska’s Resources to Compete at the National Level
Nebraska’s Phase 0 grant can be your strategic springboard. The program is efficiently administered and reviewed on a rolling basis, and it typically responds within 30 days. It’s an actionable resource for small businesses eager to move from concept to proposal without delay.
If you’re preparing to apply for a Phase I SBIR or STTR grant and based in Nebraska, this program offers both access and advantage. Reach out to Aidan Larsen (aidan.larsen@nebraska.gov | 531-510-2888) to get started.
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.