Steph Blair and the North Dakota SBIR team members will coach applicants through the SBIR/STTR application process. A nominal fee may be required by the Center for Innovation for SBIR/STTR assistance services. A "success fee" will also be included as payment for our services, if your proposal is successful. NDSS currently provides the following services to help North Dakota small businesses participate more competitively in the SBIR/STTR programs.

Pre-Proposal Review: Individuals or small businesses seeking funding to conduct research will meet with a NDSS consultant to discuss the proposed research, project costs, and expected results. These meetings help determine if involvement in the SBIR/STTR program is appropriate. To talk to or schedule a meeting please contact one of our staff.

One-on-One Counseling for Proposal Preparation: After a determination of a "good fit" between the individual or small business and the SBIR/STTR program has been made, one-on-one counseling for proposal preparation will be offered. Counseling will include the verification of an agency and topic match, a proposal preparation and submission schedule, proposal preparation advice, tips, writing assistance, and proposal review and critique.

Electronic Newsletter: An SBIR/STTR electronic newsletter is published monthly with up to date information on proposal deadlines, solicitation announcements, regional and national activities and conferences, and proposal preparation hints. To be added to the list, please email:
Steph Blair – steph@innovators.net.


Proposal Preparation & Writing Workshops: Since 2000, NDSS has hosted many SBIR/STTR proposal preparation and writing workshops facilitated by Greenwood Consulting, Inc. Jim and Gail Greenwood have taught and counseled small businesses about SBIR since 1983. They have offered workshops in more that 40 states to thousands of persons nationwide, and have presented at National SBIR/STTR conferences throughout the country. They are nationally recognized and have been acknowledged through several awards for their outstanding work.

The last workshop was held on April 20th and 21st, 2005. On the first day, the Greenwoods presented a comprehensive overview of SBIR and STTR and recent changes in both programs, followed by a detailed discussion of a recommended 4-step process for developing a competitive Phase I proposal. On the second day, the Greenwoods focused on developing a competitive Phase II proposal. There is a significant difference in preparing the two proposals even though awards are used to fund the same project. Phase I awards are primarily used to perform a commercial and technical feasibility study. A Phase II proposal can only follow a successful Phase I effort. A Phase II award is normally used for developing a prototype and preparing for commercialization of the technology first proposed in the Phase I plan.

By attending this workshop, participants were entitled to a FREE proposal review by the Greenwoods, a service that otherwise would cost $500. For individuals and small businesses considering participation in the SBIR/STTR program, attendance at a proposal writing workshop is ESSENTIAL to significantly enhancing your chances of success. To find out when the next ND workshops will be offered of for dates and locations outside of ND please contact Steph at 701-777-3132.