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Scout releases new articles on non-dilutive funding, Grant Basics, Program Insights, Founder Journey, and much more, check them out!

When the Government Shuts Down, Founders Shouldn't
Startups
Funding

When the Government Shuts Down, Founders Shouldn't

Why federal shutdowns are a golden window for founders applying to grants

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SBIR vs STTR: Understanding the Key Differences for Federal Funding Success
SBIR/STTR

SBIR vs STTR: Understanding the Key Differences for Federal Funding Success

A guide for startups comparing SBIR and STTR eligibility, collaboration, and commercialization strategies.

The Best Secrets to Securing an NSF SBIR Phase I Award: How to Win up to $306,000 in Non-Dilutive Funding
Funding
NSF
SBIR/STTR

The Best Secrets to Securing an NSF SBIR Phase I Award: How to Win up to $306,000 in Non-Dilutive Funding

A guide to crafting a compliant, competitive proposal that wins NSF SBIR Phase I funding without giving up equity.

The INNOVATE Act & SBIR/STTR Reauthorization: What Founders Need to Know (September 2025)
Policy
SBIR/STTR
Funding

The INNOVATE Act & SBIR/STTR Reauthorization: What Founders Need to Know (September 2025)

Breaking down the legislative landscape, competing bills, and what it means for startups as the SBIR/STTR reauthorization deadline approaches.

From Researcher to Founder: Where Scientists and Engineers Go Wrong in Startup Funding
Startups
Non-Dilutive
Funding

From Researcher to Founder: Where Scientists and Engineers Go Wrong in Startup Funding

The pitfalls scientists face when transitioning from lab to startup—and how non-dilutive funding can help.

Latest Articles

NIH SBIR Grant Application: 7 Tips to Craft a Winning Commercialization Plan
SBIR/STTR

NIH SBIR Grant Application: 7 Tips to Craft a Winning Commercialization Plan

For startups applying to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) SBIR program, the commercialization plan is one of the most critical components of your application.

NIH SBIR Review Process: 5 Things That Happen After Submitting an SBIR Application
SBIR/STTR

NIH SBIR Review Process: 5 Things That Happen After Submitting an SBIR Application

Submitting an SBIR application to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a major milestone for any science or tech startup. But once you hit submit, what actually happens behind the scenes? Many founders spend months preparing their application, only to wait four months or more to hear back.

Responding to the Top 10 Most Common Reviewer Critiques on Rejected NIH & NSF SBIRs
SBIR/STTR

Responding to the Top 10 Most Common Reviewer Critiques on Rejected NIH & NSF SBIRs

Rejection hurts, but it's also one of the most valuable parts of the SBIR journey.

When to Avoid SBIR Grants: 9 Reasons SBIR Funding Might Not Be Right for Your Startup
Funding
SBIR/STTR
Venture Capital
Startups

When to Avoid SBIR Grants: 9 Reasons SBIR Funding Might Not Be Right for Your Startup

Despite the appeal, SBIR funding isn't the right fit for every startup.

NSF SBIR/STTR Project Pitch: The 4 Prompts and Tips to Get Approved
SBIR/STTR

NSF SBIR/STTR Project Pitch: The 4 Prompts and Tips to Get Approved

Before submitting a Phase I SBIR or STTR application to the National Science Foundation (NSF), startups must first complete a Project Pitch.

NIH SBIR/STTR Grant Tracks Explained: Phase I, Phase II, Direct-to-Phase II & FastTrack, Which Is Right for You?
SBIR/STTR
Funding
Startups

NIH SBIR/STTR Grant Tracks Explained: Phase I, Phase II, Direct-to-Phase II & FastTrack, Which Is Right for You?

If you're developing a new biomedical or healthcare innovation, NIH SBIR/STTR grants can be a game-changer.

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