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The New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) Tech Team has launched a new Proposal Grant Writing Assistance program. This is funded by a $50,000 grant from the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT). This program aims to support New Jersey innovators in developing strong proposals for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.

The Proposal Writing Assistance program will be limited to ten innovators, with two spots already filled. The NJSBDC Tech Team has partnered with BBCetc, a nationally recognized consultancy specializing in SBIR/STTR proposal development, for this program. The team of experts, including former Federal Agency reviewers, will work closely with participants. The team will review proposals line by line to ensure they meet all requirements and have the highest probability of being funded. It is important to note that while the team they will not be writing the proposals for the participants. The team will only be available for guidance.

Judith Sheft, executive director of CSIT, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.

“The CSIT is thrilled that NJSBDC is expanding their FAST (Federal and State Technology Partnership Program) services to include grant development support for New Jersey entrepreneurs pursuing federal SBIR/STTR grant opportunities. Innovation-based startups face unique hurdles as they work toward commercialization, and partnering with the NJSBDC ensures that New Jersey entrepreneurs have access to additional technical assistance resources to position themselves for success.

“With federal FAST funding and a financial match from CSIT, there will be increased participation by New Jersey entrepreneurs in the SBIR/STTR program with a focus on underserved communities, women-owned, rural-based, and socially economically disadvantaged small businesses.

“CSIT has heard from entrepreneurs, especially those that are new to SBIR/STTR that having assistance in grant development coupled with other NJSBDC support can provide the boost they need to participate in these federal R&D programs. We hope that with this initiative more entrepreneurs will be able to leverage federal non-dilutive funding to advance their product development.”

To register for the Proposal Writing Assistance program, interested parties should complete this qualification form here.

Alternatively, they can email an inquiry to tech@njsbdc.com with the subject line “Inquiry for Proposal Writing Assistance.” The NJSBDC Tech Team will then follow up with a call or send a form to confirm eligibility.

** article courtesy of NJ Business Magazine