SBIR Recipients' Experience - Survey Results

At Winnovart, we are currently researching the differences and similarities between the US and European grants-funding ecosystem, especially from the perspective of recipients of business innovation grants. 

One of the largest funding opportunities in the United States is the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The publicly run program offers innovative American Businesses an opportunity to develop their projects with the eventual hope of impactful commercialization.

A sample portion of recipients in the 2019-2020 funding cycle has been collected and expressed below. 

Participants overall experience with the SBIR program

97% of SBIR grant recipients report a positive overall experience with the SBIR funding program. Of the 97% respondents who had a positive experience, 57% acknowledged a great deal of complexity that went with the program. Regardless of the complexity there is an overwhelming positive reaction to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. 

Level of complexity with the proposal/writing phase

44% of respondents report that the proposal and writing phase is time consuming with 47% of respondents saying the phase is complex as well as time consuming. Only 9% of participants indicate the writing phase as clear, easy, and straightforward. The proposal and writing phase was overwhelmingly the most complex and time consuming for respondents.  

 Level of complexity with the evaluation phase

29% of respondents consider the evaluation phase clear and easy with 48% thinking it is time consuming. Interestingly, 23% of respondents did not need any effort from their company for the evaluation phase. The evaluation phase is also commonly know as the award phase. 

Level of complexity with the contract signing phase

The contract signing phase is considered clear and easy by 84% of respondents. 13% say the phase is complex and time consuming and 3% say no effort was needed from their company with this phase. The signing portion is the highest rated phase among respondents. 

Level of complexity with the post award management phase

The post award management phase, or the reporting phase as it is often referred, has a mixed range of responses. 24% consider the phase to be clear, easy, and straightforward. 36% say the phase is complex and time consuming and 40% acknowledge it is time consuming but still say it is clear and easy.