How Bob Hendricks Strengthened His SBIR Proposal and Expanded His Funding Options with the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab
Bob Hendricks, a consultant based in South Texas, believed his innovative idea had significant potential in the energy and power sector. Unfortunately, issues related to teaming arrangements and conflicts of interest initially kept him from securing an SBIR grant. When Hendricks joined the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab, he not only refined his proposal but also gained new strategies for moving his project forward. His journey demonstrated how dedicated support can turn obstacles into strategic opportunities for growth.
Despite receiving initial encouragement from an NSF representative, Hendricks’s first SBIR proposal faced rejection due to specific concerns about his teaming structure and the involvement of an end-user. Without internal resources or substantial grant-writing experience, he recognized the need for a systematic approach to overcoming these barriers. The SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab became a pivotal step in this process.
Through the Lab’s structured workshops and expert guidance, Hendricks gained valuable insights into compliance nuances, proposal formatting, and strategies for market engagement. “The Lab guided me through refining my proposal to meet the standards reviewers seek,” he said. While skeptical of using AI tools for proposal writing, he appreciated the comprehensive feedback and personalized critiques offered during the Lab sessions.
The Lab’s step-by-step process enabled Hendricks to address critical gaps in his proposal, refining its structure and language to better align with reviewer expectations. Beyond improving his proposal, the Lab provided him with access to various networking opportunities, including TEDCO advisors and Maryland’s MIPS program. These connections facilitated collaborations with federal labs such as Oak Ridge, allowing Hendricks to explore fee-based research projects and other funding options.
Although Hendricks has not yet resubmitted his SBIR proposal, his Lab experience positioned him to pursue additional funding avenues, including projects under the Maryland Innovation Initiative and collaborations with federal labs. This broadened his research and growth opportunities beyond traditional SBIR pathways. The Lab’s emphasis on proposal refinement and networking armed him with the confidence to navigate complex funding landscapes.
For Hendricks, the Lab’s impact extended far beyond proposal writing. The TEDCO network’s collaborative community provided ongoing mentorship, resources, and communication, ensuring he remained informed and prepared to explore partnerships and funding opportunities. “What I needed wasn’t discussion, but specific assistance,” Hendricks noted. The Lab’s workshops and follow-up contacts kept him equipped to pursue new avenues for growth.
Hendricks reflected on his experience: “I honed my proposal and now understand what reviewers are really looking for.” He credited the Lab with providing a roadmap and introducing him to new funding sources, stating, “Introductions to TEDCO and the federal labs expanded my vision of what is possible.”
Hendricks continues to build on the skills and connections gained through the Proposal Lab. His story underscores the value of structured support and expert guidance in transforming complex funding challenges into strategic opportunities for growth. For entrepreneurs navigating government grants, his experience highlights how the SBIR/STTR Proposal Lab equips participants with the tools they need to succeed.
