I like to plan. I like to have contingency plans. I like to have a schedule for those plans. And I like to execute on those plans.
But here we are. The federal government is currently in a shut down and the SBIR programs have lapsed. However, we do expect Congress to adopt an extension or include SBIR reauthorization after the shutdown. So what do we do now?
Here area some actions you can take now: The following is a linear list but much of these can be worked on in different orders, concurrently, or iteratively.
Assess if you're eligible and ready to pursue SBIR
Verify that your company is greater than 51% U.S. owned, under 500 employees, and set up as a for-profit entity.
Establish and/or make sure your SAM registration is active and you have a company UEI (and CAGE code if required).
Assess the Technical Challenges that are preventing your innovation from being developed right now... what requires research funding?
Your innovation is intended to solve real-world problems. Problems that current solutions don't even come close to addressing. Cool. That's the vision. But what are the 2-3 riskiest parts of your product development that if you can't figure out how to overcome these technical challenges, it doesn't make sense to invest $1 more, much less $1 million or more, into full product development?
Identify your Phase I feasibility goals and how they will lay the groundwork for a Phase II development pathway.
Do you have gaps in your technical team?
Your team should have the technical expertise to overcome your technology challenges, so first thing make sure you have your tech team in place.
Consider relationships with research institutions or find the talent that will join your team when you receive an award.
Research past agency awards and monitor agency solicitations
Which agencies (DoD, NIH, NSF, DOE, NASA, etc.) have missions that include addressing the problems that your company is also trying to address with its innovation plans?
Run a few keyword searches on https://www.sbir.gov/awards to find companies, funding agencies, and abstracts for projects that are similar or adjacent to your technology.
Agency SBIR pages provide links to their research areas and/or demand signals that may help you identify if (when we resume) their SBIR program may be a fit.
Even during the shutdown, agencies are planning for the resumption of SBIR programs. No new solicitations will be posted, but you can still learn from past solicitation documents to understand requirements.
Sign up for their email announcements to be notified when programs resume.
Iterate on your commercialization planning
Review or identify customer segments and target market
Schedule some more customer discovery interviews
What are factors affecting their industries including regulatory impacts?
Who else is offering alternative approaches to address the problem you're trying to solve? What's the competitive landscape?
What are your non-SBIR funding strategies and forward-looking financial projections?
Don't let uncertainty stop your preparation. The SBIR/STTR programs have strong bi-partisan support and are likely to continue. The delays resulting from the shutdown and reauthorization uncertainty create a unique opportunity. You can use this time to prepare thoroughly so you're ready to submit when solicitations reopen. Companies that are "application-ready" will have an advantage when operations resume.
Furthermore, share with your congressional delegates your views about SBIR programs and how their representation of you, your company and constituents is vital to foster innovative ecosystems.
Funding for MTIP through SBA FAST program is renewed for FY2026!
Uncertainty was certainly the state of MTIP's federal funding this summer. Federal funding for our program and similar "boots on the ground" SBIR support programs across the nation is through cooperative agreements with the Small Business Administration under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership program. A partial funding of FAST programs was renewed in late September.
Here are a few ways your "TechLink FAST" - dba the Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP) powered by TechLink - programming will support the acceleration of Montana technology founders this year:
Having clarity on these four areas (blatantly stolen from NSF's Project Pitch) is a necessary, but not sufficient, step to being successful with SBIR.
When we meet, we'll discuss whether your idea/innovation may be right for SBIR (the first qualifying attribute) and if you have the team and other readiness attributes to compete for SBIR now. If not, we will make sure you are tapped into the incredible system of partner organizations to coach you through any gaps.
That SBIR readiness assessment form - it's the first step to also applying for our formal Big Sky SBIR Accelerators!
I'm so excited to offer these this year! We have held several SBIR proposal labs over the past few years. It was time to amp up the curriculum in order to accelerate the success of our cohorts. These accelerators are not for the SBIR-curious. They are for the SBIR-ready.
We will hold two small cohorts (8-12 people each).
One will focus on contracting agencies; one will, you guessed it, focus on granting agencies.
With the current uncertainty (I hate uncertainty), we are going to kick off both cohorts in January 2026 to make sure to incorporate the latest program changes and timing for agency announcements.
Outreach, webinars, and university lunch & learn office-hours
For folks who are investigating funding paths, conducting preliminary research, still filling in their founding teams, or just SBIR curious, we will continue to hold webinars and events to provide opportunities to learn about navigating SBIR programs, specific agencies, how to identify topics, and more.
Follow us on LinkedIn where will share loads of information about SBIR and upcoming events (our own and partners'). We will have at least 100 quick reads about success with SBIR this year.
If you are in Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, Helena, or Billings we're planning to be in your town at least once this year with in-person office hours designed to talk about moving ideas to impact and different funding strategies that may be right for you.
Wherever you are on your SBIR journey, we will focus on coaching you through the process and connecting you with partner resources as you innovate here.
Meet up to discuss your innovation funding plans at MSU Blackstone Launchpad on October 23, 2025
MSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the MSU Blackstone Launchpad is a resource for those of you interested in entrepreneurship and innovation. Join us to learn about SBIR and discuss if this may be a funding path for your technology startup.
What: SBIR 101 and small group discussion about funding innovative technologies
Where: MSU Blackstone Launchpad, 251 A&B Strand Union Building
Date/Time: October 23, 2025 noon - 1PM
Who: MSU students, faculty, staff, or alumni interested in learning more about federal applied research funding programs for small technology businesses.
Agenda:
SBIR overview and who & what is right for this type of funding
Open discussion about successful strategies to create strong proposals, identify market, and building your team.
Space is limited. Light refreshments will be provided.
Can't make this, not in Bozeman, or not affiliated with MSU? Reach out to schedule time at techlinksbir@montana.edu.
Partner Events
Current SBIR/STTR Solicitations
Past and future policy for small business innovation research programs include that a percentage of certain agencies' extramural research and development budgets be allocated to small businesses proposing novel technology innovations that can address critical national needs and demonstrate the potential for commercial success.
Here is a list of the historical SBIR agencies in order of budget (largest to smallest). Visit the sites below to view their program information and how or if that agency is processing incoming proposals and how they are managing existing grants/contracts. Information subject to change.
Department of Defense (War) - Current Release 12 topics will remain in pre-release until the first Wednesday after program reauthorization or continuation. Plan now to respond. Due date for these topics is currently November 5, 2025.
HHS/NIH - Per NOT-OD-26-004 applicants should continue to submit applications in accordance with the dates listed in the funding opportunity announcements.
National Science Foundation - The next submission due date is November 5, 2025. If you have been invited to submit your proposal, keep your proposal preparation moving forward and plan to submit.
Most of these agencies also offer other types of research & development funding opportunities outside the SBIR/STTR programs to which small businesses may apply. Feel free to reach out to discuss support we may offer.
Thanks for reading and sharing. Book time with me here for help with identifying topics, planning your proposal strategy, and to register for one of the upcoming Big Sky SBIR accelerators.
Best,
Ann Peterson, Program Director
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