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

Signs You Should NOT Apply for SBIR Funding

7 Sept 2026 · 1 min

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0:33

In this concise advisory video, Stacy L. Chin explains the five key signals she looks for to determine whether a startup is ready to apply for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding. She first assesses the technology’s readiness and clarity of what is being funded. Next, she examines the proposed use of the SBIR money and the remaining R&D work required. She then evaluates the founding team’s capability to execute the idea. Fourth, she checks whether the startup’s goals align with the specific agency’s mission and needs. Finally, she gauges the founders’ willingness to put in the necessary effort, noting that she cannot read their minds. The video ends with a call to follow for more similar content.

Chapters

I can tell pretty quickly when a startup is not ready to apply. Here's 5 things I'm checking out, with the first being your technology. I need to understand what we're trying to fund. 2, what will you do with the money? What R&D still needs to happen? 3, I'm evaluating you and your team. I'm trying to evaluate whether your strong idea has the right people to back it up. 4, I'm making sure you fit the agency's needs. I'm actually looking to see if there's actually a real fit. 5, and the most important one, I'm Looking to see if you're willing to do the work. I can't read your mind. Interested in more content like this? Be sure to follow along.