SBIR/STTR grants can accelerate biomedical innovation—but navigating the application process and managing the award require experience most early-stage teams don’t yet have. That’s why the University of Vermont’s I-Trep Program offers tailored consulting support for faculty, students, and entrepreneurs in underserved regions who are serious about securing federal R&D funding.
TL;DR
The I-Trep program provides up to $3,500 in covered consulting fees for SBIR/STTR proposal preparation and award management. Available to eligible applicants in AK, DE, ME, NH, PR, RI, and VT. Rolling applications are reviewed first-come, first-served.
Founders in biomedical fields often need expert guidance before and after SBIR funding
Biomedical entrepreneurs face an especially complex SBIR/STTR application landscape—filled with technical, regulatory, and commercial requirements. While faculty, students, and early-stage founders often have strong ideas, they frequently lack the federal grant experience necessary to craft winning proposals or efficiently manage awarded funds.
That’s where the I-Trep Program, based at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, comes in.
I-Trep connects innovators to expert consultants for one-on-one SBIR support
The I-Trep Program offers personalized consulting valued up to $3,500 for eligible applicants in:
- Alaska
- Delaware
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Once selected, applicants are paired with a topic-relevant expert who provides one-on-one guidance for either:
- Preparing an SBIR/STTR proposal
- Managing an awarded SBIR/STTR grant
Rather than offering direct funding, the program covers the full cost of consultation—allowing participants to access specialized support without using internal resources.
Access strategic consulting without using grant dollars or out-of-pocket funds
Many biomedical entrepreneurs struggle to find affordable, high-quality guidance on navigating NIH, NSF, or DoD SBIR proposals. With I-Trep, eligible applicants gain access to grant-savvy consultants at no cost, streamlining proposal development or award compliance without taking time or funds away from R&D.
This program is especially valuable for university-affiliated innovators, faculty spinouts, and academic startups in rural or underrepresented areas.
A Vermont-based biomedical startup recently enrolled in the I-Trep Program to access $3,500 in expert consulting for their first NIH SBIR proposal. With guided support on both proposal development and post-award planning, they submitted a competitive application and positioned themselves for a smooth project launch.
Without expert input, promising SBIR proposals often fall short
In highly competitive federal review panels, a technically sound idea is not enough. Weak commercialization plans, poor alignment with review criteria, or basic formatting issues can sink a submission. Even funded projects risk delays or compliance issues without strong post-award management.
That’s the gap I-Trep fills: ensuring promising ideas get matched with the experienced consulting needed to succeed.
Apply to I-Trep for tailored support, fully funded by the program
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. If selected, participants will be matched with a vetted consultant aligned with their field and proposal stage. Consultants are compensated directly by the program, up to a maximum of $3,500, so there’s no administrative burden or reimbursement process required.
Eligibility is limited to:
- Faculty and students at the University of Vermont
- SBIR/STTR applicants based in the seven eligible locations
Applicants must reside in or be affiliated with one of the target states or regions to qualify.
Apply now and connect with an expert to strengthen your proposal
Visit the I-Trep Program page to review eligibility, access the application, or contact the team directly at itrep@uvm.edu. If you’re planning to submit a biomedical SBIR proposal and want to align your support resources, schedule a consult call with us for tailored strategy development.
EB Howard helps underrepresented startups align with programs like I-Trep to secure results
We’ve guided founders nationwide through the SBIR process—from pre-submission to post-award—using opportunities like I-Trep to boost readiness and compliance. For biomedical innovators in these seven states and regions, this is a standout resource that removes financial barriers to expert input.
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