Why the commercialization plan matters

SBIR/STTR isn't a pure research grant. The programs exist partly to turn federally funded R&D into products and services, which is why reviewers look at commercial potential as well as technical merit.

• Phase I proposals are usually judged partly on commercial potential.
• Phase II proposals at most agencies need a written commercialization plan: target market, customers, competition, funding and revenue strategy, and the team.
• Companies with many prior awards may face commercialization benchmarks set by SBA (minimum rates of moving from Phase I to Phase II, and of commercialization).

Each agency publishes its own format and page limits, so follow the solicitation.

Official sources

• SBIR.gov – About
• SBIR.gov – Performance benchmarks

This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Rules change; the solicitation and SBA policy directive govern.