MTI Assistance Technical Assistance MTI offers no-cost technical assistance and support to encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to participate in the SBIR/STTR programs. MTI provides advice and guidance in the areas of identifying program opportunities and preparing a high-quality proposal. MTI offers up to 20 hours of technical assistance on Phase I proposals and up to 60 hours on Phase II proposals. MTI counsels clients individually in these areas: An introduction to the SBIR/STTR programs and identification of agency opportunities Proposal strategy and tactics Proposal editing and critical review Market research, accounting and commercialization planning, especially on Phase II proposals. Financial Assistance MTI offers a competitive Phase 0 grant to stimulate and support small business participation in the SBIR/STTR program. Awarded on a rolling basis, Phase 0 grants provide up to $5,000 and require a dollar-for-dollar match by the applicant. Funds can be used for direct costs associated with the preparation of Phase I or Phase II proposals. These costs include market research, in-state travel to develop business partnerships, consultant services, and proposal preparation and review. Phase 0 projects must end with submission of a completed SBIR/STTR proposal. "SBIR has been and continues to be hugely important to our company. We would not exist today if it weren't for SBIR grants. MMQC was started with a combination of SBIR and MTI funds. The Institute's proposal writing workshops were key in helping us obtain more than $1.6 million in SBIR funding. The funds supported the development of our first products, which are now headed for commercialization. The proposal submission and subsequent grant administration can be an arduous process, but the experience is valuable in learning to run a technology-based company. MTI has been very helpful in finding usquality contacts to assist with the SBIR process." Joan Gordon, President, Maine Molecular Quality Controls