Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
What is SBIR?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides non dilutive seed money to small businesses who are developing a technology that might provide a solution to a challenge the nation faces as a whole.
What is STTR?
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program provides seed money to small businesses who are developing a technology in tandem with a university or national laboratory.
Who is eligible for the programs?
The programs are open to any small business that is a for profit entity owned by a US citizen. Other eligibility requirements can be found on the SBIR website.
What is a principle investigator?
The Principal Investigator (PI) is the primary point of contact for any SBIR or STTR submission. They must be employed by the business at time of award.
How much funding is available?
What is TABA?
Technical and business assistance funding (TABA) can be requested with most SBIR submissions. This funding is for the development of the innovators business. Tributary Insights is a TABA provider and can assist with acquiring and executing the use of this funding
Funding amounts vary from agency to agency, but they all award in two phases: Phase 1: for concept feasibility, typically between $40,000 and $150,000, 3 to 9 months; and Phase 2: for prototype development, typically around $1 million and 24 months. The third phase funding is derived from the commercialization of the innovation.
The SBIR/STTR programs are administered by the Small Business Administration.
Notice
As of October 2025 the SBIR and STTR programs are on hold.
Visit our Pathways to Commercialization
page for other options.
How We Can Help
Phase 1
No Cost Options
SBIR 101 virtual presentations
TABA Assistance*
Fee Based
Phase 2
No Cost Options
Connections to resources
TABA Assistance*
Fee Based
Pathways to Commercialization Strategies
Phase 3
No Cost Options
Innovator Roundtables
Connections to resources
Fee based
Government Contracting Advising
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1
Business must be a legally established business in their state and eligible for federal funding
Visit our Innovator Roadmap for more information
2
Businesses must be working on cutting edge technology that a federal agency may want to support.
Interested?
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3
Applicants will need to have a plan to take their innovation from concept to commercialization.
Applicants will want to develop a support team that includes SBA resources, a TABA provider and others