The Multimedia Technology Health Communication SBIR/STTR Program

How to Improve Your Funding Potential

12 Basic Steps

Small business applicants who receive a score between 100 and 190 are usually funded. All SBIR applicants in the Multimedia Technology/Health Communication Grant Program who scored between100-180 followed these 12 basic steps:

• HIRE a grant writer if you cannot convey your thoughts on paper! Never assume that the reviewers will know what you mean without ample clarification.
• STATE your objectives clearly and list each step necessary to achieve your objectives.
• PRESENT a strong argument for the project based on NCI programmatic needs, a complementary literature review, and a review of comparable products in the marketplace.
• DEVELOP an innovative product that meets a consumer need and has the potential to motivate behavior change that will result in cancer risk reduction or improve quality of life.
• ESTABLISH an advisory board of experts that will critique your proposal prior to submission and review your progress.
• HIRE consultants familiar with the subject matter of your proposal. Be sure to include a behaviorist and a statistician. Secure their advice and ask them to review your application prior to submission.
• DOCUMENT (in table form) how your product differs from other similar products in the marketplace, including proposed cost and time-saving benefits.
• PROVIDE detailed plans for development, implementation, and evaluation.
• CONDUCT focus groups of potential end-users that address barriers to product use and barriers to behavior change when using the product. Your advisors and/or consultants should not be used as your focus groups.
• USE STATISTICALLY VALID MEASURES to evaluate the effectiveness of your research.
• DOCUMENT secured technical and advisory letters of support and letters of intent from parties interested in supporting the commercialization of your product (Phase II and Fast Track applicants).
• PERSIST!