NEMIC Expert Advisor: Lisa Marceau on Federal Uncertainty
Staying the Course: Why Strategy and Focus Matter Through Federal Fiscal Uncertainty
Lisa Marceau - NEMIC Expert Advisor, Grants + SBIR
Founder, Alpha Millennial Health
The work supported by NEMIC, the small business innovation research (SBIR) program, and federally funded research more broadly is driving change in the health care space. Regardless of where one ‘sits,’ the impact on health does not discriminate by political points of view. Consider three poignant examples of how the federal freeze and funding uncertainty in a short span of time is already having a broad health impact.
There are delays in cancer clinical trials across major cancer research centers nationally. This is disrupting the development of new diagnostics and therapies for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and a range of other cancers.
Pediatric research funding uncertainty has resulted in research labs scaling back, limiting the pace and ability to advance treatments for childhood diseases including cancers and congenital heart conditions.
Heart disease has been a major focus of federal funding for decades and is the number one killer for both men and women across demographics. Without certainty about funding, innovations in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart disease are stalled.
These disruptions are just a few of the many examples that underscore the critical role federal funding plays in advancing medical research, especially in areas that disproportionately affect women and vulnerable populations. Those suffering or seeking life and quality of life saving diagnoses and treatments feel the impact most directly.
“Some of my recent LinkedIn posts feature the following mantra –
In the face of fear, uncertainty, chaos: Innovate. Innovation is fear, uncertainty, chaos. Innovation is CHANGE.”
Founders are Built for This
In times of financial uncertainty, many startups in the healthcare space may feel the pressure to pause or find safe, stable ground. But if you are a founder, you signed up for uncertainty. If you are a female or underrepresented founder, you are no stranger to very strong headwinds. The healthcare research and innovation space is where diseases are defined, treatments are developed, disease identification happens earlier, and gaps in care are filled for all of those impacted. We as founders, are the most prepared to stay the course, drive forward, and find the path to success – because we understand that there will always be headwinds and there are ways to solve healthcare’s greatest challenges. Simply put, if entrepreneurs pause, no one else is going to do it.
Focus on the Process
I spend a lot of time in the non-dilutive SBIR world, and it would seem no better place to pause given the chaos. Instead, it is the opposite. Now is the time to lean into the SBIR process. This is not suggesting SBIR funding will become easier over the coming year. It is because the SBIR process is the process of business strategy. It is more than just funding; it forces founders to think deeply about the product, market, and long-term growth plan. It requires building key components important to investors: organizational infrastructure, company structure, and financial stewardship. Each stage of an SBIR requires a detailed understanding of the steps in the manufacturing or product development process, consideration of the market and end customer, the research required to prove the product viability and effectiveness, the team required to execute, and detailed costs for all of these elements. This structured approach lays the foundation for business strategy not just for securing grants, but for positioning a company in the broader funding ecosystem. And for now, federal agencies are still required to set aside 3.2% of funds to support SBIR grants, resulting in $4B invested in innovation per year.
When You are Davida, Use Process to Fight Goliath
For women and underrepresented entrepreneurs who often face additional barriers to capital, having a well-defined and thoroughly articulated strategy is even more critical. A documented plan demonstrates to investors that founders are not just reacting to challenges but are proactively building a sustainable business. Federal fiscal uncertainty may shift timelines or introduce new risks, but a clear, comprehensive strategy allows founders to navigate those challenges with confidence. And recognize that federal funding cuts targeting these important areas of innovation are putting a spotlight on founders - so step into the spotlight and become visible to funders committed to filling these gaps.
Don’t Fear Change: Embrace It
By staying in the game and pushing forward with a refined, strategic approach, founders position their business for success, creating a path to other funding opportunities. Investors are drawn to founders who are persistent, methodical, and committed – especially when they see that founders have built a strategy on the rigorous, validated foundation that the SBIR process provides. Many of these processes are thoughtfully addressed through NEMIC workshops, online resources, and access to expert advisors to support founders during their entrepreneurial journey.
In the face of uncertainty, transform fear to innovation.
Lisa Marceau - Founder + CEO, Alpha Millennial Health (Lmarceau@alphamhealth.com)
