Stacy L ChinFounder, KeepYourEquity · I get the government to write you checks

Improve Funding Odds with Agency Engagement

28 Apr 2025 · 0 min

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0:22

In this brief segment, the speaker explains that receiving a Phase 1 SBIR award dramatically raises the likelihood of securing a Phase 2 award—potentially up to 30‑40%. They advise that if an initial application receives a low score, the applicant should resubmit and proactively engage the NIH program officer. This engagement step, often overlooked, is presented as a key tactic not only for SBIR but especially for accessing larger, non‑dilutive funding opportunities, giving applicants a competitive edge over those who do not interact with the agency.

If you were lucky to get a Phase 1 award, getting a Phase 2 goes— jumps up to like even 30 or 40%. I also recommend if the score wasn't well, you want to go in for resubmission to engage with the NIH program officer. This is a step that a lot of people miss, and not just for the SBIR program, for— but especially if you want to go for the larger non-dilute funding opportunities, engaging with the agency will give you a leg up compared to those that do not.