How do you pitch your startup's value proposition and impact to commercialization grant reviewers?

1 Define your value proposition

Your value proposition is the core message that explains why your product or service is unique, valuable, and desirable for your target customers. It should answer the questions: What problem are you solving? How are you solving it differently or better than others? What benefits are you delivering? To craft a compelling value proposition, you need to do some market research, identify your customer segments and their needs, and validate your assumptions with feedback. A good value proposition is concise, clear, and specific, and it can be summarized in one sentence or phrase.

4 Adapt to the grant criteria and format

Your pitch should not be a one-size-fits-all document, but a customized and tailored response to the specific grant program you are applying for. To adapt to the grant criteria and format, you need to read the guidelines carefully, understand the expectations and requirements of the reviewers, and follow the instructions on the length, style, and format of your pitch. You also need to address any questions or challenges that the reviewers might have about your startup, such as your market size, traction, scalability, or sustainability. A good pitch is relevant, coherent, and compliant, and it meets or exceeds the grant standards.

5 Proofread and polish your pitch

Your pitch is your first impression to the reviewers, and it should reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. To proofread and polish your pitch, you need to check your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary, and correct any errors or typos. You also need to review your content, structure, and design, and make sure they are clear, consistent, and appealing. You can use online tools, such as Grammarly or Hemingway, to help you with this process, or ask someone else to give you feedback. A good pitch is error-free, flawless, and attractive, and it leaves a positive impression on the reviewers.

6 Practice and refine your pitch

Your pitch is not only a written document, but also a verbal presentation that you might have to deliver to the reviewers in person or online. To practice and refine your pitch, you need to rehearse your speech, time yourself, and record yourself. You also need to prepare for possible questions or feedback from the reviewers, and have some answers or examples ready. You can also seek advice or coaching from mentors, peers, or experts in your field, and learn from their insights or suggestions. A good pitch is confident, dynamic, and interactive, and it engages the reviewers and convinces them to fund your startup.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?