SBIR Services

If the first time you consider submitting a SBIR proposal is when you see the topic list, it may be too late.  Several preliminary steps must be accomplished such as registering your business with the proper government agencie(s). making sure your corporate accounting system is up to par, and others.  Additionally, many SBIR proposals require teaming with large businesses in order to access testing assets, Intellectual Property or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).  Large corporations often can't react quickly for these requests, making it essential to form strategic relationships with other companies BEFORE the SBIR submission clock is running. 

Bearing Line helps small businesses and startups prepare SBIR grant proposals. We'll help you navigate the complex application and submission process, conduct market research, and craft compelling proposals to increase your chances of securing funding. 

Items such as a Cover sheet(s) Cost Proposal Technical proposal and commercialization plan.

Depending upon thee type of SBIR funding being sought, there may be preliminary steps required, such as:

• Obtaining a System for Award Management (SAM) account 
• Obtaining a 'Unique Entity ID' in order to do business with the U.S. Government
• Obtaining a CAGE Code

You have managed to win a SBIR grant... Congratulations!  Along with developing your new technology, there are reports to be written, briefings to be prepared and paperwork to file.  Let Bearing Line help you with these tasks so you can concentrate on what you do best - developing your innovative technology. 

One of the key metrics used for any SBIR selection is commercialization plan.  It is critical that  commercialization be 'front and center' during the proposal and development stages of the SBIR process. SBIR firms must understand their client's definition of commercialization and a solid plan to achieve it.  SBIR commercialization is the critical phase in the life cycle of an innovation that involves transforming research and development outcomes funded through the SBIR program into market-ready products, services, or technologies that can be successfully brought to the marketplace. Here are some factors which should be included in the SBIR Commercialization Plan:

1. Transitioning Innovation: SBIR commercialization marks the transition of innovative ideas, concepts, or prototypes from the research and development stage into practical applications that can address market needs and generate revenue.
2. Market Orientation: emphasizes aligning the innovation with market demands. This process involves understanding customer needs, identifying target markets, and ensuring that the product or technology meets market requirements.
3. Business Development: Encompass the strategic development of the business around the innovation. This includes creating a business plan, plans to secure additional funding, forming strategic partnerships, and defining marketing and sales strategies.
4. Intellectual Property Management: Managing intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks, is often crucial in SBIR commercialization to protect and leverage the innovation's IP assets.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Depending on the industry and nature of the innovation, compliance with various regulations and standards may be necessary. Ensuring the innovation meets these requirements is essential for market entry.
6. Market Analysis: Comprehensive market analysis is conducted to understand the competitive landscape, potential customers, market trends, and opportunities. This analysis helps in positioning the innovation effectively in the marketplace.
7. Scaling for Production: In many cases, innovations must be scaled up for mass production or widespread use. This involves optimizing manufacturing processes, sourcing materials, and ensuring quality control.
8. Funding and Investment: Securing additional funding or investment is often a critical step in the commercialization process. This can come from diverse sources, including venture capitalists, angel investors, government grants, or corporate partnerships.  Care must be taken to assess and understand the the downstream effects of raising funding including dilution, IP rights, and the effects that foreign foreign investments may have on future SBIR efforts.
9. Marketing and Sales Strategies: Developing robust marketing strategies to introduce the product or service to the market and designing effective sales plans to reach and engage with customers to generate revenue.
10. Performance Measurement: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the success of the commercialization efforts. Tracking metrics like revenue growth, market share, customer adoption, and profitability helps gauge the innovation's market impact.

In essence, SBIR commercialization is the pivotal phase that bridges the gap between innovation and commercial success. It involves a multidimensional approach, integrating business acumen, market analysis, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning to bring innovative concepts to life in a way that benefits both the innovating company and the market it serves.  Bearing Line can assist with these (and other) processes.