The National Institutes of Health (NIH) SBIR/STTR Applicant Assistance Program (AAP) is aimed at helping eligible small R&D businesses and individuals submit a competitive Phase I SBIR/STTR application to NINDS, NCI, NIA, or NHLBI. Solicitation is currently open and will close on Friday, October 4. This round is for preparation of an application for the January 6, 2020 NIH SBIR/STTR due date.  These services are available at no cost to participants.

The AAP provides free support to small businesses that have never won an SBIR/STTR award from the NIH, with a goal of increasing participation by small businesses that are owned or operated by individuals who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, such as socially/economically disadvantaged small businesses (SDB), women-owned small business (WOSB), and small businesses located in under-represented states. Companies and researchers may apply for services directly by completing a simple online application. Note that only individuals who plan to submit a Phase I (not Phase II or Fast-track) application and do NOT have an NIH SBIR/STTR application under review are eligible. Each applicant may submit only one application.

Through AAP, companies can receive:

• Needs assessment
• Small business mentoring
• Phase I application preparation support
• Application review

AAP provides support and guidance. Please note it will still be the responsibility of the participating small businesses to put together an application and required documentation while participating and after completing the program.

More information about the program is available on the AAP website and during an informational webinar on Tuesday, October 1 2-3 p.m. EDT: