Free SBIR/STTR Proposal Training for Researchers and Founders
Get this free, self-paced training that walks you through everything you need to know to prepare a competitive SBIR or STTR proposal.
Built by SBIR expert Leon Wolf and backed by USRIA's track record of helping hundreds of deep tech companies and researchers navigate federal funding, this course gives you the foundation to move forward with confidence.
Start your first lesson right now. No account required.
First lesson available instantly. Create a free account anytime to save your progress and continue at your own pace.
Is This Right for You?
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You know federal funding exists for research and innovation, but the process feels a bit out of reach. You're not sure if you qualify, what agencies fund, or what a proposal even looks like. This training breaks it all down from the beginning.
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A rejected proposal doesn't mean a bad idea. It usually means a fixable process. This training helps you understand what reviewers actually look for, so your next submission is stronger.
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Whether you're waiting for a specific solicitation or building your foundation now, this training gives you the structure and knowledge to move fast when the time comes.
By the end of this training, you'll know how to:
Determine whether your research or technology is a fit for SBIR/STTR funding
Navigate the federal funding landscape: agencies, programs, and solicitations
Read and interpret a funding opportunity announcements
Build a realistic budget that meets agency requirements
Structure and manage the proposal development process on a 10-week timeline
Understand what happens after submission, including the review process
Prepare agency-specific applications for NIH and NSF
Go from “Where do I start?” to an actionable plan
USRIA has helped hundreds of deep tech companies and researchers secure federal funding through hands-on SBIR/STTR assistance. This training brings that same expertise into a free, self-paced course so you can build the foundation on your own schedule and get direct support when you're ready to apply.
How it Works
Bite-Sized Lessons
Each lesson is a short video (2–5 minutes) with supporting material. Learn one concept at a time, meaning no marathon sessions required.
Self-Paced & Flexible
Work through the training on your schedule. Pick up where you left off anytime. The whole course takes under three hours.
Practical Tools Included
Templates, checklists, and resources you can use when you're ready to write your proposal.
Meet Your Instructor
Leon Wolf has spent over 10 years helping hundreds of companies and organizations secure SBIR/STTR and climate technology federal funding. He has delivered dozens of training sessions nationwide, served as Director of Federal Funding Assistance at VertueLab, and brings 25 years of industry experience from Hewlett-Packard. He holds an MS and BS in Chemical Engineering and runs his own federal funding consulting practice.
Federal Funding Readiness Training
This training is completely free. Your first lesson is available immediately with no account required. When you're ready to save your progress and return to the course on your own schedule, creating a free account takes less than a minute.
Based in West Virginia? In addition to this training, USRIA offers free 1-on-1 assistance with your federal funding application. Learn more