SBA Handbook for SBIR Proposal Preparation
Chapter I - Using the SBIR Program to Further Business Development
D. SBIR As a Potential Source Of Funding
An SBIR award is a powerful leveraging tool to attract other possible sources of funding. Your SBIR award is a sign of your company's credibility and creativity.
SBIR brings you into direct contact with federal agency SBIR and R&D program managers. These people are experts in their fields and have extensive networks which can benefit your firm. For example, some SBIR program managers send abstracts of Phase I awardees to large companies and venture capitalists who have shown interest in funding Phase III endeavors or working with your company in other capacities.
Mention your SBIR award when competing for other federal R&D. It is a sign of your competence to other program managers. After all, a number of their colleagues thought well of your firm.
The US Small Business Administration has developed a computerized matching system which will bring together potential capitalization sources with SBIR winners. This system will match Phase I and II winners with capital sources in light of technical interests, dollar amounts, geographical locations and time frames. Additional information on this system maybe obtained from the Office of Technology, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third St., SW, Washington, DC 20416.
