Accessing state matching with an SBIR grant ensures that research and development funding goes further for small businesses in need of capital to help with innovation, and are in line with the NIH Budget.
Several states will match federal funds for SBIR/STTR:
Florida, offering up to $150,000 to Phase I and Phase II recipients
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council provides up to $150,000 in matching funds for applied research projects between local industry partners and university researchers. Corridor funds will match the industry partner’s cash and in-kind investment in University research (program details vary at participating universities). This program can be a valuable supplement to Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funded projects that involve university collaborators. Funding is provided directly to the university research team and is used to expand the project’s scope of work and allow our students to participate in cutting-edge, applied research.
Direct link for more information: https://floridahightech.com/innovation-investments/research-grants/
Hawaii, offering up to 50% matching for Phase I and up to $500,000 for Phase II
HSBIR provides matching grants to help companies further the development of new products to solve critical issues. Applicants must have received federal SBIR grants or contracts to qualify for the state matching grant program. The HSBIR programs provides up to 50% match for companies receiving SBIR awards.
Iowa, offering up to $25,000 for Phase I
BioConnect Iowa provides financial assistance up to $25,000 to successful Phase I federal award recipients. A further $25,000 is awarded to eligible applicants on submission of a Phase II solicitation, for a total of $50,000 in potential financial assistance for qualifying businesses.
Kentucky, offering up to $150,000 for Phase I and up to $500,000 for Phase II
Think of it as “America’s Seed Fund.” The federal SBIR/STTR initiative provides capital to promising innovative research and development efforts to commercialize their efforts.
Maine, up to $256,000 for Phase I and $1.2 million for Phase II
Phase I awards are up to $256,000 for a maximum 12 month period of performance (depending on agency and SBIR or STTR). Phase II awards may be up to $1.25 million for a two-year effort.
Massachusetts, $75,000 to $300,000 for Phase I
Ten (10) “Stage I” grants of $100,000 each,
Five (5) “Stage II” grants of $200,000 each to the most promising “Stage I” winners from last year and
Two (2) “Stage III” opportunities: up to $500,000 each of seed capital in a commercial spinout (or other commercial arrangement intended to provide a return on investment to MassVentures) from the most successful Stage II companies.
Michigan, offering up to $250,000 for Phase I and up to $750,000 for Phase II
Phase I: Awards ranging $50,000 – $250,000 for six months (SBIR) or one year (STTR) are used to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed innovation.
Phase II: SBIR/STTR awards are generally $750,000 for two years and are used to continue the efforts initiated in Phase I. Typically, only Phase I awardees are eligible for a Phase II award.
Montana, up to $60,000 for both phases
The Federal SBIR/STTR Program provides for funding competitions in two phases that are relevant to the Montana Program: Phase I – to conduct feasibility research; and Phase II – to expand and develop Phase I results and develop commercially viable innovations. Grants of up to $30,000 per phase are available on a yearly basis.
Nebraska, offering up to $100,000 or 65% of the grant for Phase I
Phase 1 and 2 grants will match federal SBIR/STTR awards up to $100,000 or 65% of the federal grant, whichever is less.
North Carolina, up to 50% for Phase I, not to exceed $100,000
Match awards will be made in the amount of 50% of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program award amount, not to exceed $100,000. Also, see details on incentive program here.
Rhode Island, offering up to $45,000 for Phase I and up to $100,000 for Phase II
Provides grants of up to $45,000 to encourage recipients of SBIR/STTR Phase I awards and up to $100,000 to recipients of Phase II awards.
South Carolina, offering up to 50% for Phase I, not to exceed $50,000 of the grant
Federal Matching Grants provide funding up to 50% of the Federal award, not to exceed $50,000.
Tennessee, with $100,000 for Phase I and $300,000 for Phase II
Phase I awards will be matched at a flat amount of $100,000.
Phase II awards will be matched at a flat amount of $300,000.
Virginia, up to $50,000 for both Phase I and II
Phase 1: A feasibility study, providing $100K-$225K for a 6-month SBIR project or 12 month STTR project. Amount and duration can be different at each agency.
Phase 2: Prototype development, providing up to $750K for a 2-year project.
Wisconsin, up to $75,000 or 50% for Phase I, and up to $100,000 per year up to two years for Phase II
Phase I: Matches 50% up to $75,000 of Phase I SBIR or STTR awards
Phase II: Matches up to $100,000 per year for up to 2 years of Phase II of SBIR/STTR awards
The SBIR website maintains a full list of federal and state opportunities for small businesses, including state resources. You can also access a searchable local resources database on the SBIR website.
States offer SBIR assistance and matching to assist local businesses and the state economy, ensuring that their own residents and constituents have ample opportunity for innovation funding. These states are perhaps more attractive to small businesses involved with innovation, which is promising for all residents of the state who stand to benefit from the economic boost, and the advantages of attracting entrepreneurs and start-ups to the state.
Wherever you are located, Grant Engine can help your small business access the funding you need, and uncover any additional programs that could bolster your chances of success. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and provide the information you need to get started with an SBIR application or other grant writing plan.
Get in touch by giving us a call at (650) 937-9164 or email greatscience@grantengine.com.
The Florida High Tech Corridor Council provides up to $150,000 in matching funds for applied research projects between local industry partners and university researchers. This includes projects funded by Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards.
To be eligible for funding, research projects must:
- Involve an industry partner with a significant presence in the 23-county Corridor region and a principal investigator from one of the universities: UCF and USF;
- Focus on applied research that supports the development and commercialization of new technologies; and,
- Include support for at least one university student researcher on the project.
How to Apply:
Proposals are reviewed year-round by a committee of researchers and partners at each university. Companies located within the 23-county region may submit proposals to collaborate with researchers from one or both universities. Faculty researchers may also submit applications. Application requirements and investment matches may differ between universities. Please contact the program directors directly for more information.
Vernet Lasrado
Assistant Director, Office of Research & Commercialization
University of Central Florida
vernet.lasrado@ucf.edu
404.769.5264
Elizabeth Nelson
Matching Grants Program Director
University of South Florida System
ernelson1@usf.edu
813.974.3291
HSBIR provides matching grants to help companies further the development of new products to solve critical issues. Applicants must have received federal SBIR grants or contracts to qualify for the state matching grant program. The HSBIR programs provides up to 50% match for companies receiving SBIR awards. Companies may apply also for reimbursement for grant writing costs for their initial grant application.
For questions or to be added to the HSBIR mailing list, please email us at sbir@htdc.org.
1. THE PROGRAM HAS FOUR COMPONENTS:
PRE-REGIRTATION REQUIREMENTS – There are several eligibility requirements for the SBIR/STTR Outreach Program described on the Application Form.
- PROPOSAL IDEA REVIEW- Businesses that qualify for the Outreach Program work with Grow Emerging Companies, an R&D funding consulting firm, to evaluate Phase I SBIR/STTR ideas.
3.THIRD-PARTY PROPOSAL ASSISTANCE- BioConnect Iowa pays 100% of the cost of one-on-one professional proposal assistance for qualifying SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II applications. This can represent a potential cost saving of between $2,000 – $14,000 for your business.
- MATCHING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCe- BioConnect Iowa provides financial assistance up to $25,000 to successful Phase I federal award recipients. A further $25,000 is awarded to eligible applicants on submission of a Phase II solicitation, for a total of $50,000 in potential financial assistance for qualifying businesses.
Innovators that receive SBIR or STTR awards can benefit from additional funding to bridge the gap between Phase I and Phase II, as well as speed up the commercialization process. The Kentucky SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Award Program offers more non-dilutive capital on a competitive basis to recipients of Phase I and II SBIR/STTR grants and contracts that are for-profit companies based in, or willing to re-locate to, Kentucky.
The next SBIR Match application window is expected to open in March 2022. Information about the program is included in the guidelines below. Applicants need follow the application instructions requirements and submit the full application with supporting documents to sbir@kyinnovation.com
Phase I- Phase I determines project feasibility. Agencies award grants up to $256,000 for a six to twelve-month SBIR project or one-year STTR project that explores the technical merit of an idea or technology. Applicants must submit a proposal that articulates objectives, significance of the innovation, scope of work, and applicant qualifications.
Phase II- Phase II focuses on prototype development. Agencies award grants up to $1,250,000 for a two-year project that builds on the results of Phase I. The project features development of a minimal viable product and an evaluation of commercialization potential.
Phase III- Phase III is not funded by the SBIR/STTR program. The objective is for the small business to pursue commercialization based on results from the Phase I and Phase II R&D activities. Phase III may involve non-SBIR funding R&D or production contracts for the U.S. government.
How it works:
The MassVentures START program helps Massachusetts-based companies commercialize technologies developed under SBIR and STTR contracts. Each year, the program awards:
- Ten (10) “Stage I” grants of $100,000 each,
- Five (5) “Stage II” grants of $200,000 each to the most promising “Stage I” winners from last year and
- Two (2) “Stage III” opportunities: up to $500,000 each of seed capital in a commercial spinout (or other commercial arrangement intended to provide a return on investment to MassVentures) from the most successful Stage II companies.
Key Dates 2022
Feb 1: RFP for Stage I applications posted
Feb 3: Stage I Information Session View The Recording
Feb 28: Stage I application deadline; Q&A Sessions for Stage II and III
Mar 1: RFP for Stage II and Stage III posted
Mar 28: Stage II and III application deadline
April 4: Stage II pitch coaching
April 5: Stage III pitch coaching
April 11: Stage I pitch day
April 12: Stage III pitch day
April 13: Stage II pitch day
April 30: Winners notified
Jun 21: Class of 2022 Stage I, Stage II and Stage III awards meeting
The OF SBIR/STTR
- Phase I: Awards ranging $50,000 – $250,000 for six months (SBIR) or one year (STTR) are used to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed innovation.
- Phase II: SBIR/STTR awards are generally $750,000 for two years and are used to continue the efforts initiated in Phase I. Typically, only Phase I awardees are eligible for a Phase II award.
- Phase III. The SBIR/STTR programs do not fund Phase III. At some Federal agencies, Phase III may involve follow-on non-SBIR/STTR funded R&D or production contracts for products, processes, or services intended for use by the U.S. Government.
U.S.-based companies interested in submitting a SBIR or STTR proposal can learn more www.sbir.gov, including details about Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III. The Small Business Innovation Research program is coordinated by the Small Business Administration.
The Federal SBIR/STTR Program provides for funding competitions in two phases that are relevant to the Montana Program: Phase I – to conduct feasibility research; and Phase II – to expand and develop Phase I results and develop commercially viable innovations. Grants of up to $30,000 per phase are available on a yearly basis.
The Montana Department of Commerce (Department) administers the Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program in the manner set forth in the guidelines. In all cases, awards will be made at the discretion of the Department.
Applications are accepted through https://funding.mt.gov/
To apply for grants under the Nebraska SBIR/STTR you must meet the necessary qualification to apply for federal SBIR/STTR funds. Additionally, the Nebraska initiative requires you are a for-profit small business that conducts at least 51% of the activities proposed under the federal application in the State of Nebraska.
Available Funds & Grant Limits
- DED may award up to $4 million per year in the SBIR/STTR program. DED reserves the right to award less than $4 million a year subject to demand, department budget, and available funds.
- Phase 0 grants can reimburse for up to $5,000 per project for costs incurred in preparing a federal Phase 1 proposal.
- Phase 1 and 2 grants will match federal SBIR/STTR awards up to $100,000 or 65% of the federal grant, whichever is less.
- DED will not award funding to a qualifying business for more than one project every two years.
Eligible applicants must have received official notification of receipt of their Phase I Proposal by a Federal SBIR/STTR-awarding agency during the Incentive Solicitation Period (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) to be eligible. Qualified applicants will be reimbursed for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing a Federal SBIR/STTR Program Phase I proposal, up to a maximum of $12,000. The maximum percentage for reimbursement is:
- 100% for an eligible business located in a Development Tier 1 or 2 county
- 50% for any other eligible business,
as defined by the NC Department of Commerce (2022 County Tier Designations).
Eligible applicants must have received official notification of Phase I award by a Federal SBIR/STTR-awarding agency during the Solicitation Period (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) to be eligible. Additionally, due to funding limitations, in the current solicitation eligible applicants are limited to Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees that meet either of the following two conditions:
- Are located in a Tier 1 or 2 county, as defined by the NC Department of Commerce (2022 County Tier Designations), or
- Are located in a Tier 3 county (2022 County Tier Designations) and have previously received no more than one matching award under the Matching Program.
Match awards will be made in the amount of 50% of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program award amount, not to exceed $75,000.
Businesses are eligible to receive one (1) Incentive grant and one (1) Matching grant during the FY 2021-2022 solicitation period. Subject to budget constraints, a grant to a business partnered with a public institution of higher education in North Carolina does not count toward the maximum grant limitation.
To apply for the programs, see Apply to Programs.
Innovate RI Fund:
In 2013, to foster job creation, facilitate small business development and enhance the workforce pipeline, the Rhode Island General Assembly created the Innovate Rhode Island Small Business Fund (IRISBF). Eligible Rhode Island small businesses may apply for grants to defray the cost of applying for SBIR/STTR awards, match SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II awards, and hire interns.
Matching Grant- Provides grants of up to $45,000 to encourage recipients of SBIR/STTR Phase I awards and up to $100,000 to recipients of Phase II awards.
Grant Objective
The objective of the Federal Matching Grant is to provide matching funds to accelerate the amount of Federal research dollars obtained by South Carolina small businesses. In particular, this grant is aimed at supporting SBIR/STTR Phase I awardees to obtain Phase II awards. Other Federal matches will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Eligibility Criteria
- The company is registered as a for-profit business with the SC Secretary of State. In addition, the company’s principal place of business is in South Carolina or at least 51% of its full-time equivalent employees are located within the state.
- The company must be an active SCRA Member Company (Note: Company may simultaneously apply to become Member Company and request grant funding.)
- Applicants must have official notification of Federal funding from the awarding agency at the time of application. Funding Amount & Use of Funds • Federal Matching Grants provide funding up to 50% of the Federal award, not to exceed $50,000.
- The company is allowed up to two (2) Federal Matching Grants during its lifetime, which must be for separate Federal awards.
- The Use of Funds must assist with commercialization of the technology and/or positioning the company to obtain follow-on funding.
- Funds may be used as supplemental funding for certain costs not covered or allowed under the Federal award (e.g., regulatory consultants, equipment purchases).
- Excluded from the Use of Funds are the following: rent, licensing fees, legal fees, reimbursement of past expenses, and designation as fee/profit.
Application Process
- Interested applicants should contact SC Academic Innovations at academicinnovations@scra.org to schedule a pre-submission meeting. Based upon the outcomes of this meeting, SCRA will provide application materials and instructions.
- Companies that pass initial review will be invited to present their funding request to SCRA.
- Following their presentation, companies will receive notification of SCRA’s decision and next steps. This typically occurs within one week.
- Awards are typically funded within 30 calendar days after notification.
Award Information
- Phase I awards will be matched at a flat amount of $100,000.
- Phase II awards will be matched at a flat amount of $300,000.
- Awards will be delivered to companies in two equal tranches.
Please note the application will require the following documents to be attached:
- Notice of Award (or, in some cases, Selection Decision Letter) from the granting federal agency
- Winning SBIR/STTR application
- Use of funds for Matching Fund award
- Company Articles of Incorporation
Virginia
A Three-Phase Program:
Phase I:
- A feasibility study, providing $100K-$225K for a 6-month SBIR project or 12 month STTR project. Amount and duration can be different at each agency.
- Up to 33% of a Phase I SBIR project can be completed by consultants and other research institutions. This is important, as you need to show how your team is better than other teams, has the expertise, experience, and/or unique capability to address this project. Both intellectual resources and equipment resources may be addressed with this part of the funding.
- Funding can’t pay for work that you have already performed – it is for proposed research.
- Meant to test high-risk “innovative” ideas that have not yet been proven – if you’ve already proven your idea, and started to work on it, you can’t use SBIR or STTR funds to further develop it. There are other methods and strategies available. That said, you can use the funds to test your idea in new environments, scenarios and situations – as long as there is real research that needs to be done to test your theory and the feasibility of your solution in that situation.
Phase II:
- Prototype development, providing up to $750K for a 2-year project.
- You must submit a Phase I proposal first – you can’t skip the feasibility stage and go straight to the prototype development. Some agencies do have Direct to Phase II programs and/or special topics.
- Up to 50% of a Phase II SBIR and 60% of a Phase II STTR can be completed by research institutions.
- Some agencies (typically the contracting agencies) require that an official invitation be extended to a Phase I winner by the agency before a Phase II will be accepted. Granting agencies don’t normally have this requirement, allowing any successfully completed Phase I project to submit a Phase II proposal.
Phase III:
- Other funding outside of the SBIR and STTR program needed to produce a product. Leveraging the
- Phase I and Phase II projects for Angel, VC and other external funding, as well as working with the agency who funded the research to begin with.
SBIR Advance Match for Phase I Funding
DownlDownload Full Phase I Application Guidelines
Matches 50% up to $75,000 of Phase I SBIR or STTR awards
Requirements
Grants are paid upon completion of milestones including:
- Lean Startup training and customer development
- Completed draft commercialization plan
- Successful submission of Phase II SBIR/STTR proposal and any final deliverables by CTC
Eligibility (Refer to Guidelines for full criteria)
Companies that are eligible to apply for the SBIR Advance Phase I Match Grant include Wisconsin based small businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Current or recent SBIR/STTR Phase I awardees that…
- Are eligible for and intend to apply for SBIR/STTR Phase II funding, and
- Are currently conducting a Phase I project, or
- Have completed a Phase I project, are still eligible to submit a Phase II proposal, and don’t intend to submit the Phase II until after March 1, 2022.
- Have identified a commercial team of at least 3 active participants including company senior leadership and agree to participate in all sessions of the Lean Startup Training Program outlined on the course syllabus.
- Companies that previously completed three or more Phase II SBIR/STTR awards (and the last one completed within the last five years) are not eligible for SBIR Advance matching funds.
- Companies that previously completed three or more Phase II SBIR/STTR awards (and the last one completed within the last five years) are not eligible for SBIR Advance matching funds.
SBIR/STTR Phase I Match Milestones
Phase I award match: Matches 50% up to $75K of Phase I SBIR or STTR awards. Grants paid upon completion of milestones including: 1) Lean Startup training and customer development; 2) Completed draft commercialization plan; and 3) Successful submission of Phase II SBIR/STTR proposal and any final deliverables required by CTC.
SBIR Advance Match for Phase II Funding
Download Full Phase II Application Guidelines
Matches up to $100,000 per year for up to 2 years of Phase II of SBIR/STTR awards
Requirements
- Grants paid upon completion of milestones mostly described by the company and approved by the selection committee.
- CTC may include limited programming in support of Phase II-III discovery.
- Companies must apply each year for a $100K Phase II Match Grant. Eligible companies can apply for a second year Match Grant after they have completed the first year match milestones
- Companies with less than 1 year left on a Phase II award can apply for only one year ($100K) of Match Grant
Eligibility (Refer to Guidelines for full criteria)
Companies that are eligible to apply for the SBIR Advance Phase II Match Grant include Wisconsin based small businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Current SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees that…
- Are in the process of conducting their Phase II project
- Have completed no more than three Phase II projects in the last five years.
- Recent SBIR/STTR Phase II awardees that…
- Have a Phase II award end date after May 1, 2021, and
- Have completed no more than three Phase II awards in the last five years. Applicants who have both a current Phase I and Phase II SBIR/STTR award should apply for an SBIR Advance Phase II match.
- Applicants who have a previous Phase II SBIR Advance Match grant award must complete the first Match grant milestones before applying for a second Phase II Match Grant. These applicants must include a description of the first SBIR Advance Match Grant milestones and accomplishments and a justification for a second year of Match Grant funding.
- Phase II Match applicants must agree to participate in up to three Investor Readiness Workshops presented by CTC as part of the SBIR Advance program.
- Please contact Todd Strother to discuss eligibility to use SBIR Advance funds to match Phase IIB or other federal SBIR/STTR funding programs.
SBIR/STTR Phase II Match Milestones
Phase II award match: Matches up to $100K per year for up to 2 years of Phase II SBIR/STTR award. Grants paid upon completion of milestones mostly described by the company and approved by the selection committee. CTC may include limited programming in support of Phase II – Phase III discovery. Companies must apply each year for a $100K Phase II Match Grant. Eligible companies can apply for a second year Match Grant after they have completed the first year match milestones. Companies with less than 1 year left on a Phase II award can apply for only one year ($100K) of Match Grant.
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