How Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne Mastered Grant Writing and Secured Funding with the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab
Dr. Elizabeth Clayborne, an ER physician and inventor, transformed her personal experience in nosebleed treatment into a commercially viable solution. By applying the step-by-step training of the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab, she won an NSF Phase I grant and positioned her medical device company for triple-digit growth. Today, her pioneering device is set to revolutionize the management of nosebleeds in clinical and home settings.
Despite her extensive clinical expertise, navigating the complex world of government grant applications presented a significant challenge for Dr. Clayborne. The process required understanding and articulating critical elements of proposals, aligning content with reviewer expectations, and structuring a compelling business case. Without extensive grant-writing experience, securing the necessary funding to bring her idea to life was an uphill battle.
The hands-on training provided by the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab transformed how Dr. Clayborne approached grant writing. Through focused workshops, she learned to translate complex medical innovations into clear, accessible proposals that met NSF criteria. The Lab emphasized concise, audience-driven language and strategic structuring, which helped her develop a successful application. Additional entrepreneurial training increased her confidence in pitching her technology to potential investors—a critical skill for securing further funding.
The impact of the Proposal Lab was far from theoretical. Dr. Clayborne gained tangible tools that transformed her business trajectory. With the NSF Phase I grant secured, her company’s credibility skyrocketed, leading to an additional $3.5 million in funding and a current $4 million seed round. What began as a nosebleed device for ages 14 and up evolved into a reusable version ready to hit the market on Amazon—highlighting the Lab’s role in driving innovation.
The NSF Phase I grant was more than just financial support; it served as a launching pad for Dr. Clayborne’s device, which simplifies nosebleed treatment through precise, directed pressure. This innovation addresses the annually documented 500,000 emergency department visits for nosebleeds. The versatility of the device extends beyond its original scope, offering potential use as a drug delivery platform for intranasal medications, including Narcan, analgesics, and seizure medications.
For Dr. Clayborne, the value of the Proposal Lab extended well beyond securing grants. She gained access to a network of like-minded founders, vital resources, PR opportunities, and ongoing mentorship. This collaborative community, combined with her determination, has been pivotal in accelerating her company’s progress.
Dr. Clayborne now seeks NIH funding for her device as a drug delivery platform. While she acknowledges that fundraising is challenging, her journey demonstrates the importance of structured guidance and community support in transforming visionary ideas into reality—an inspiring story for other innovators facing similar hurdles.
