Get Ready to Apply for Federal Funding
Get this free, self-paced training that walks you through everything you need to know to prepare a competitive SBIR or STTR proposal.
Whether you're an academic researcher or a startup founder exploring federal funding for the first time, we'll help you get ready.
Is This Right for You?
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You know federal funding exists for research and innovation, but the process feels a bit out of reach. You're not sure if you qualify, what agencies fund, or what a proposal even looks like. This training breaks it all down from the beginning.
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A rejected proposal doesn't mean a bad idea. It usually means a fixable process. This training helps you understand what reviewers actually look for, so your next submission is stronger.
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Whether you're waiting for a specific solicitation or building your foundation now, this training gives you the structure and knowledge to move fast when the time comes.
By the end of this training, you'll know how to:
Determine whether your research or technology is a fit for SBIR/STTR funding
Navigate the federal funding landscape: agencies, programs, and solicitations
Read and interpret a funding opportunity announcements
Build a realistic budget that meets agency requirements
Structure and manage the proposal development process on a 10-week timeline
Understand what happens after submission, including the review process
Prepare agency-specific applications for NIH and NSF
Go from “Where do I start?” to an actionable plan
Whether you need SBIR proposal help or you're just starting to explore federal funding for your startup, this training gives you the foundation to move forward with confidence
How it Works
Bite-Sized Lessons
Each lesson is a short video (2–5 minutes) with supporting material. Learn one concept at a time, meaning no marathon sessions required.
Self-Paced & Flexible
Work through the training on your schedule. Pick up where you left off anytime. The whole course takes under three hours.
Practical Tools Included
Templates, checklists, and resources you can use when you're ready to write your proposal.
Federal Funding Readiness Training
The training is completely free. To get started, create an account to save your progress and work through the lessons at your own pace.
Based in West Virginia? In addition to this training, USRIA offers free 1-on-1 assistance with your federal funding application. [Learn more]