The Power of Letters of Support in SBIR/STTR Grant Proposals: Why They Matter and How to Use Them
When preparing a competitive SBIR or STTR grant proposal, one of the most powerful—and often underutilized—tools is a letter of support. Whether you’re applying for NIH, NSF, DoD, or any other federal agency, letters of support can play a critical role in strengthening your application.
In this post, we’ll explain why letters of support matter in SBIR/STTR proposals, how they can improve your chances of funding, and what makes a letter truly impactful.
What Is a Letter of Support for SBIR/STTR?
A letter of support is a brief document written by a third party—often a potential customer, strategic partner, or industry stakeholder—that endorses your technology and expresses interest in its future use or collaboration.
Why Letters of Support Are Important for SBIR/STTR Proposals
1. Validate Market Need
A strong letter from a potential end-user or partner shows there's real-world interest in your innovation. This kind of validation reassures reviewers that your proposed solution addresses a verified market demand, not just a theoretical problem.
2. Enhance Your Commercialization Plan
Agencies want to fund technologies that will make it to market. A letter of support can bolster your commercialization strategy by providing evidence of future partnerships, pilot programs, or purchase intent.
3. Demonstrate Credibility and Collaboration
Federal agencies look for applicants who are engaging with their industry ecosystem. Letters of support highlight your network, potential collaborations, and the broader support your project has within its target market.
What Makes a Strong Letter of Support?
Specificity: The letter should clearly explain why the sender supports your innovation, what problem it solves for them, and how they intend to work with you.
Relevance: Letters from stakeholders who are potential users, customers, or collaborators are far more impactful than generic endorsements.
Alignment with Proposal Goals: The letter should reinforce key themes in your proposal—such as market need, innovation potential, and commercialization strategy.
Are Letters of Support Required for SBIR/STTR?
They’re not always required—but they are highly recommended. A strong letter of support can differentiate your proposal from others and provide crucial external validation that reviewers value.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook This Strategic Advantage
Letters of support aren’t just a formality—they’re a key part of a compelling SBIR or STTR application. Take the time to collect thoughtful, relevant letters from stakeholders who truly understand the value of your innovation.
Need help preparing your SBIR/STTR proposal or gathering impactful letters of support? Let’s connect. I work with startups and small businesses to craft competitive, fundable proposals for federal R&D grants.