Pitch to win a $5K microAward for your SBIR/STTR Proposal. Learn More.
How It Works

Meet With Us

Pre-Selection

Topic Match Up
We’ll answer questions about USDA’s SBIR/STTR program to help you decide if this is an opportunity for you.
Submit your idea for a preliminary review of topic eligibility.
Match your capabilities with the 10 USDA program topics.

Invitation

Proposal Lab

Proposal Submission
If your company’s capabilities are a match for one of the USDA program topics, you will be selected to participate.
We'll be available to answer questions during weekly office hours and personal meetings. You'll receive valuable, personalized information in order to submit your USDA SBIR/STTR application on time.
You will remain a part of the accelerator family. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with you.
Meet the Experts
How to Write a Strong Application
July 31, 12:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. CT
​
As part of the Proposal Lab, you'll have the opportunity to hear from USDA Officer Tammi Neville during a webinar on July 31. Tammi will share advice for how to write a strong USDA SBIR/STTR proposal.
​

Tammi Neville
USDA Program Specialist
About the Proposal Lab
Our goal is to help you to succeed at bringing your technology to market by taking advantage of the SBIR/STTR federal programs non-dilutive funding.
​
The USDA Proposal Lab offers one of the most wide-ranging application opportunities for new technologies. The SBIR/STTR programs at USDA are administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and offer 10 topic areas that are intended to permit a variety of science and technology based small businesses to compete for funding.
​
The ten topics are:
8.1 Forest and Related Resources
8.2 Plant Production and Protection - Biology
8.3 Animal Production and Protection
8.4 Conservation of Natural Resources
8.5 Food Science and Nutrition
8.6 Rural and Community Development
8.7 Aquaculture
8.8 Biofuels and Biobased Products
8.12 Small and Mid-size Farms
8.13 Plant Production and Protection – Engineering
During the proposal lab you will be matched with one or more topics within your capabilities and interest. You will receive virtual instruction, templates and resources to help you write your proposal, one-on-one counseling, and when possible, match-up with experts in your area.