SBIR
The SBIR program supports projects focused on technological innovation with commercialization potential. EVAMAX is here to assist with your application to maximize its achievability.
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Overview
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program aims to encourage US small businesses
to engage in research and development (R&D) with potential for commercialization. The SBIR
program provides award-based funding as incentive for technological innovation.
How It Works
The SBIR program is provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA allocates funding for the SBIR program to each of the 11 agencies listed below who then provide awardee small businesses with either a grant or contract for funding.
USDA - Department of Agriculture
DoC - Department of Commerce
DoD - Department of Defense
ED - Department of Education
DOE - Department of Energy
HHS - Department of Health and Human Services
DHS -Department of Homeland Security
DOT - Department of Transportation
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NSF - National Science Foundation
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, your business must meet all the following requirements:
Located in the United States
For-profit
500 employees or less
More than 50% owned and controlled by citizens or permanent residents of the US
The Three Phases
The SBIR program consists of three phases.
Phase 1
During phase I, the technological merit, feasibility, and commercialization potential of the proposed R&D will be established. The quality of performance of the small business will also be determined to evaluate the possibility of stage II funding.
Funding: $50,000 – $250,000 for 6 months
Phase II
Typically, only phase I awardees are eligible for phase II. During phase II, R&D efforts started in phase I will be continued and awardees are assessed based on their outcomes in phase I, technological merit and commercialization potential from the phase II project.
Funding: $750,000 for 2 years
Phase III
In phase III the small businesses’ focus is on commercializing outcomes achieved through phases I & II.
Funding: The SBIR program does not fund phase III
SBIR vs. STTR
Outlined below are some of the main differences between the SBIR and STTR programs.
| SBIR | STTR |
|---|---|
| Partnerships allowed but not required | Must have a partnership with an eligible organization . |
| Majority of project employment must be at the applicant small business | Principal Investigator may be employed by either the small business or the partnering organization |
| Allowed to subcontract up to: Phase I: 33% Phase II: 50% | Minimum project work requirement: Small business: 40% Partnering organization: 30%d. |
| 11 participating agencies | 5 participating industries |
| Majority venture capital ownership is allowed by some agencies | Majority venture capital ownership is not allowed. |
