Agencies Post Solicitations
- Before you apply, read the entire solicitation carefully. This may prevent administrative mistakes that could disqualify your proposal.
- Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements before you apply.
- Give yourself plenty of time to prepare your proposal. You must respond before the submission closing date.
Submit a Proposal
- Apply through the agency's SBIR or STTR program before the submission closing date.
Participating Agencies Review Proposals
- Review process times vary; check with the specific agency.
- The program's rigorous proposal review process provides critical feedback that can help refine your concept.
Agencies Award Funding
- If you receive funding, be strategic about how you use it, as the award amount may not cover all of your R&D expenses.
- Previous awardees may apply for Phase I funding for new innovations and Phase II funding for continuing R&D.
Main SBIR Phases
Optional: Phase 0
Some states have matching programs to cover the costs of creating a proposal.
Phase I
Awarded companies use Phase I funding to create proof-of-concepts for their innovations.
- Time Frame: 6-12 months
- Award Amounts: $50,000-$275,000
Phase II
The objective of Phase II is to continue research and R&D efforts started in Phase I. Typically, only Phase I awardees are eligible for Phase II awards.
- Time Frame: 24 months
- Award Amounts: $400,000-$1.8 million
Phase III
Based on Phase I & II activities, small businesses pursue commercialization in the private sector and/or federal contracting marketplace. No SBIR/STTR funding is awarded in Phase III.
What is STTR?
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program exists to unlock the power and innovative thinking of the country’s research institutions. The primary difference from SBIR is that for STTR, the small business must formally partner with a research institution.
You're eligible to apply for funding through America's Seed fund if your company:
- Is a for-profit entity located in the U.S.
- Has fewer than 500 employees (most applicants have fewer than 10).
- Is owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Some additional restrictions apply with venture capital ownership. See full eligibility guidelines for more details.
No. A non-profit organization cannot directly receive an SBIR or STTR award. Non-profits may be a minority investor or subcontractor or sub-grantee on a project. In addition, an STTR awardee must subcontract a portion of the award to a research institution – a scientific or educational nonprofit institution, or a Federally Funded R&D Centers (FFRDC).
The research institution mustbe owned and operated exclusively for scientific or educational purposes, non-profit, and located in the US. Research institutions eligible to participate in the STTR Program include:
- Nonprofit college or university
- Domestic nonprofit scientific/research organization
- Federally Funded R&D Centers (FFRDC)
You must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov to receive SBIR/STTR awards.
Find Support Near You
Find organizations in your area that help entrepreneurs like you establish your business, find opportunities, prepare a proposal, and bring your idea to market.
The SBA works with a variety of local partners to train and support small businesses that are interested in receiving funding through America's Seed Fund. Use local assistance to find the help you need, including proposal assistance, SAM registration, commercialization support, and industry networking.
Find Funding Opportunities
Explore participating agencies to learn about their missions, priorities, and programs. You can also search all topics to find opportunities that are a fit for your concept.
Browse Agencies
Search All Topics
Ready to learn more?
Find out everything you need to know about the SBIR and STTR programs with our program overviews and in-depth video tutorials.
Presentation on how to leverage America's Seed Fund, including differences between different levels of funding and how to begin the process.
Phase 0 & State Matching Programs 
During the pre-proposal and preparation phases, some states have created what are known as “Phase 0” awards programs. These programs are designed to assist new applicants in their pursuit of Phase I federal SBIR/STTR awards.
