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It’s time. You’ve done all of the preparation (as outlined in our previous blog post in this Grant Writing 101 Series) and now you’re ready to begin work on the grant application itself.
Strong Solutions
When you’re writing, ensure your application is crystal clear about the problem you’re solving and the strong desire for that solution. Nadia Shaikh-Naeem, VP Programs at DIGITAL, says applications for co-investment that stand out for her are innovations that respond directly to market needs. She explains, they’re “looking for projects that exhibit robust demand-driven dynamics, a thorough acknowledgment of the hurdles in innovation adoption, accompanied by a well-defined strategy to overcome them.”
"When you’re writing, ensure your application is crystal clear about the problem you’re solving and the strong desire for that solution." - Nadia Shaikh-Naeem, VP Programs at DIGITAL
Get Granular
A strong application goes into substantial detail. Clearly outline how your product, platform or service aligns with the goals of the program you’re applying to and ensure the narrative is easy to understand, yet comprehensive in nature. “Make sure that all responses you provide are directly answering the specific questions being asked,” advises Dr. Ania Sergeenko, Managing Director of the Funding Catalyst team at Thin Air Labs. “Review the program guidelines. Make sure all required supporting documentation is attached to the application. Many applications are simply rejected by funding agencies due to being incomplete.”
“Stand out applications are detailed, fact-based, and include robust data supporting the proposed value proposition.” - Mark Summers, Vice President, Energy, Aerospace, Defence, and Advanced Materials, Alberta Innovates
Highlight the Evidence
Ensure your application outlines how your company has done its homework… highlight what data your company has collected and how that data will inform your business decisions now and moving forward. Mark Summers, Vice President, Energy, Aerospace, Defence, and Advanced Materials at Alberta Innovates says, “Stand out applications are detailed, fact-based, and include robust data supporting the proposed value proposition.”
Remember Your Why
As you go through your application, return regularly to your company’s vision. Remind yourself why you decided to start your company in the first place. Shaikh-Naeem from DIGITAL says staying grounded in your vision will help your application stand out. “This clarity on purpose and value will serve as the driving force behind your application,” she says, “fostering alignment and instilling confidence.”
And as we outlined in Getting Ready, here’s a reminder to do your research on the grant you’re going after before you write anything.
You can even reach out to the funding body directly to ensure it’s a good match for your company and what you’re trying to achieve. “Our number one tip when preparing an application would be to seek guidance from us first to ensure the best program fit,” offers Summers at Alberta Innovates.
Ultimately, all of these funding bodies are looking for solutions to important and urgent problems. They want to support entrepreneurs that are building companies that will positively impact all of us. It’s why these agencies are happy to offer these insights.
We know venture building is hard, that’s why we’re all here to help.
Our team has helped ventures secure close to $100 million in non-dilutive funding helping founders access the right capital, at the right time, to move their businesses forward.
