How Koby Okrah Used the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab to Strengthen Grant Proposals and Build Market Entry
Koby Okrah entered the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab with limited experience navigating the complex world of government grant proposals. While he had a pitch prepared for the Department of Education and the NSF C Fund, he faced significant challenges in mastering the intricacies of SBIR submissions. Through the Lab, Okrah gained invaluable insights into proposal development, securing new funding, and building essential competencies to position his firm for future government contracts.
Like many entrepreneurs, Okrah’s initial attempts at government grant proposals highlighted a steep learning curve. Though he successfully pitched to the Department of Education, he quickly realized there was much more to learn about federal proposals—following rubrics, formatting correctly, and crafting compelling technical and business narratives. This knowledge gap proved to be a significant obstacle in the competitive government sector.
The SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab provided Okrah with a structured framework for navigating grant requirements. Through workshop-style sessions, he learned the nuances of proposal formatting and compliance best practices needed to meet the standards of the NSF and the Department of Education. “The information I produced through the workshop was what I submitted for the NSF submittal,” Okrah noted, emphasizing that the Lab’s clear structure created a replicable format for future proposals.
Armed with a deeper understanding of proposal expectations, Okrah sought additional support through TEDCO, ultimately securing a $10,000 MBIA grant. This funding allowed him to hire a grant writer, refine his proposals, and reapply with enhanced submissions. The grant also facilitated prototype development and market entry, helping Okrah establish a stronger foothold within government circles.
The Lab’s training extended beyond individual grant proposals to broader government project proposals. By mastering capability mapping and aligning his company’s expertise with RFP requirements, Okrah became better prepared for direct government work. While he paused grant submissions to focus on concrete government projects, he credited the Lab as a foundational stepping stone that supported his market growth and partnership pursuits.
Another key element of Okrah’s success was the collaborative environment fostered by the Lab. Connections with industry professionals and peers provided valuable feedback and new perspectives, helping him refine his approach to government projects. “Storytelling sessions and community support made me understand different angles and refine my strategy,” Okrah reflected.
“The Lab gave me the framework and tools to meet compliance and best practices. It allowed me to focus on what truly mattered in my proposal,” Okrah stated. He also highlighted the ongoing support he received from TEDCO through the MBIA grant, which enabled him to scale and strengthen his business growth plan. “Having completed the Lab, I could eliminate all the ‘Have you tried this?’ questions—I’d already done the work.”
Okrah’s journey demonstrates how structured guidance can transform an emerging entrepreneur into a strategic thinker. Equipped with skills gained through the Proposal Lab and continued support from TEDCO, he remains focused on building government partnerships and advancing his business across multiple industries. For entrepreneurs seeking to overcome the complexities of grant processes, Okrah’s story exemplifies the pivotal role that SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab training can play in shaping success.
