Leveraging SBIR Opportunities: A Nonprofit and Small Business CFO's Guide to Funding Innovation

By TED ROSE, ROSE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS

Nonprofits and small businesses must constantly innovate to stay relevant and achieve their missions. One effective way to fund this innovation is through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. While the SBIR program is primarily designed for small businesses, nonprofits can also benefit. Here’s how your organization can use SBIR opportunities to fund projects and succeed in your mission.

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What is the SBIR Program?

The SBIR program is a government initiative that provides funding to small businesses for research and development. Although it’s intended for for-profit entities, nonprofits can participate by partnering with these businesses or creating a for-profit subsidiary.


Why Should You Consider SBIR Funding?

  1. Access to Funds: SBIR grants provide money without requiring you to give up ownership or take on debt.
  2. Encourages Innovation: The program supports new and creative projects.
  3. Boosts Credibility: Receiving SBIR funding can enhance your organization’s credibility, attracting more donors and partners.
  4. Aligns with Missions: Many SBIR-funded projects align well with missions like improving public health, advancing education, or protecting the environment.


Steps to Leverage SBIR Opportunities


1. Find the Right SBIR Opportunities

Federal agencies release SBIR funding for specific research areas. Nonprofits and small businesses should:

  • Regularly check the SBIR website for new opportunities.
  • Sign up for newsletters from relevant agencies.
  • Attend SBIR-related events to stay informed.


2. Create a Strong Proposal

To secure SBIR funding, your proposal needs:

  • Clear Goals: Explain the problem your project will solve and its impact.
  • Innovative Ideas: Highlight what makes your project unique and creative.
  • Proof of Feasibility: Provide evidence that your project can work.
  • Commercial Potential: Show how your project can be commercialized or advance your mission.


3. Partner with For-Profit Entities

If your nonprofit can’t apply directly, consider:

  • Partnering with a small business that can apply for the grant.
  • Creating a for-profit subsidiary to apply.
  • Collaborating with universities or research institutions that qualify for SBIR.


4. Prepare for a Rigorous Review Process

SBIR proposals undergo thorough evaluation. Ensure your proposal:

  • Meets all requirements.
  • Clearly explains the importance, innovation, and feasibility of your project.
  • Includes a detailed work plan and budget.

Making the Most of SBIR Funding


If you receive the grant, manage your project effectively by:

  • Strong Project Management: Keep your project on track.
  • Regular Reporting: Follow the reporting requirements to demonstrate progress.
  • Engaging Stakeholders: Keep everyone involved and informed about the project.
A group of business people in a meeting

The SBIR program is an excellent opportunity for organizations to fund innovative projects. By understanding the program, creating strong proposals, and managing projects well, organizations can use SBIR funding to achieve their missions and make a significant impact. Start exploring SBIR opportunities today and take your organization’s innovation to the next level.


At ROSE®, we simplify back-office operations by aligning People, Process, Technology, Organization, and Data. Our cutting-edge system, Easby®, is an enterprise-grade, AI-enabled, hyper-automation system that turns data into actionable insights, boosting financial performance. With ROSE and Easby®, our clients unlock their potential and achieve sustainable financial success, embodying the future of Finance as a Service (FaaS).

In 1994 Ted Rose founded Rose Financial Solutions (ROSE), the Premier U.S. Based Finance and Accounting Outsourcing Firm. In 2010, the Blackbook of Outsourcing named ROSE the #1 FAO firm in the world based on client satisfaction. As the president and CEO of ROSE, he provides executives with financial clarity. Ted has also acted as the CFO for a number of growth companies and assisted with various rounds of financing and M&A transactions.

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Rose Financial Solutions Empowers Fractional CFOs and CPA Firms to Support Clients with Scalable, AI-Enabled Financial Infrastructure

September 4, 2025
Rose Financial Solutions (“ROSE®”), a pioneer in Finance as a Service ( FaaS ), today announced new strategic partnerships designed to empower fractional CFOs and CPA firms to support clients with scalable financial infrastructure. Through alliances with Apex Finance Solutions, CFO Advisory DC, CTM Partners, and Rubino & Company , ROSE is expanding access to scalable, AI -enabled solutions that simplify financial operations and amplify the value advisors deliver to growing businesses. “Fractional CFOs and CPA firms are critical growth partners for businesses, but they shouldn’t have to build financial infrastructure on their own,” said Ted Rose, President, CEO, and Founder of ROSE . “With these partnerships, we’re giving them access to enterprise-grade tools that drive efficiency, scalability, and insight—so they can remain focused on their most important role: trusted advisors.” At the center of these partnerships is ROSE’s Finance as a Service ( FaaS ) model, which integrates People, Process, Technology, Organization, and Data . This framework simplifies back-office operations while empowering financial leaders with real-time insights, audit-readiness, and proactive decision-making . All four partners now gain access to Easby ® , ROSE’s AI-powered, enterprise-grade automation platform that seamlessly integrates with accounting systems to transform financial data into actionable intelligence. Meet the Partners Apex Finance Solutions : Guides high-performing entrepreneurs with executive-level financial leadership. With Easby®, Apex enhances its strategic advisory capabilities through real-time data insights. CFO Advisory DC : Brings a global perspective from private equity, impact investing, and strategy consulting. Easby strengthens its ability to deliver operational excellence and scalable growth strategies. CTM Partners : Specializes in driving scalable growth and operational efficiency through financial leadership. By leveraging ROSE’s FaaS model, CTM expands client visibility and decision-making agility. Rubino : A Maryland-based CPA firm delivering audit, tax, and CFO consulting expertise (through their CAS – Client Accounting Services). By integrating Easby, Rubino enhances compliance readiness while delivering deeper client insights. “This is just the beginning of our CFO and CPA partner network buildout,” added Rose. “Our goal is to ensure every growth focused organization in the nation has access to the same level of sophistication and scalability as enterprise finance teams—without the cost or complexity. Our nationwide network will reshape the way financial leaders deliver trusted, data-driven advisory services.” About Rose Financial Solutions ROSE is a leading provider of Finance as a Service (FaaS – next generation of finance and accounting outsourcing) , helping businesses simplify financial operations by aligning People, Process, Technology, Organization, and Data . Its enterprise-grade AI-enabled automation platform, Easby® , transforms financial data into actionable insights, enabling companies to scale with confidence and agility. With ROSE and Easby, organizations achieve audit readiness, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making—redefining the future of finance and accounting. To learn more about how ROSE and Easby® can transform your financial operations, visit www.rosefinancial.com and www.easby.ai . Ready to empower your firm with enterprise-grade financial infrastructure? Contact us today to explore partnership opportunities.

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