Let’s talk about one aspect of the SBIR/STTR programs that most small businesses either aren’t aware of, or don’t understand how to access.
The Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) program can be thought of as a companion program to SBIR/STTR, but with a few twists. At this point, pretty much every agency allows for TABA funding in both Phase I and Phase II awards. Some agencies require you to name a provider and a Statement of Work during the application process; some agencies allow you to come back after the award and negotiate receiving TABA funding. A number of agencies have a preferred provider who you will be matched with if you don’t find a TABA provider yourself.
But, no matter how the agency approaches TABA funding, it is one of the best vehicles for business development that is out there. SBIR/STTR funding has some unallowable budgetary restrictions, like marketing, intellectual property protections, business development, etc. While the programs are a great vehicle for funding research, funding the next steps beyond research is something that is generally not applicable or allowed. TABA though comes in and swoops to the rescue.
If you want to earmark monies to pay for a provisional patent or a trademark, TABA can be leveraged for that.
If you want to take some funding and do targeted customer development through pitches, site travel and survey, or proceedings and presentations, TABA can be leveraged for that.
If you want to bring in outside marketing companies to put together a strong go-to-market plan for your Phase II submission, TABA can be leveraged for that.
While you are stressing out on how to prove the technical feasibility during your Phase I, or trying to get further towards a market-ready prototype in your Phase II, use TABA funding to bring in outside help. You can even use TABA funding to do some employee development and retention training.
TABA is one of those items, just like indirects and fee/profit, that you NEED to take advantage of, and take full advantage of.
To find out more about leveraging TABA funding and how Peak can help you get further down the commercialization road during your Phase I and/or Phase II, schedule a consultation today.