us small business innovation research program

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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

GSA’s Role in SBIR: Limited Authority

Currently, GSA does not fund any SBIR/STTR Programs.  However, GSA awards and administers Phase I/II/III work on behalf of clients in participating agencies.

Four GSA Office of Assisted Acquisition Services (AAS) client support centers (CSCs) (Regions 4, 5, 8 & FEDSIM) award and administer SBIR/STTR Phase III contracts. The objective of Phase III is for small businesses to pursue commercialization of the objectives resulting from Phase I/II R/R&D activities. Of those four CSCs, two (Region 5 and FEDSIM) also award and administer Phase I/II work on behalf of clients in participating agencies.

For more information on the SBIR and STTR Programs, visit the Small Business Administration's (SBA) SBIR/STTR page .

Participating agencies or industry partners who are interested in obtaining AAS services should visit the GSA AAS SBIR/STTR page or send an email to [email protected] .

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Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR/STTR)

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offer competitively awarded grants to qualified small businesses to support high quality research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits.

The USDA SBIR/STTR program office directs all activities required under the SBIR law and executes the policy established by the Small Business Administration. The SBIR/STTR programs at USDA are administered exclusively by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Awards are based on the scientific and technical merit of investigator-initiated ideas. The SBIR/STTR programs do not make loans and do not award grants for the purpose of helping a business get established.

SBIR/STTR grants are awarded in 10 broad topic areas .

Attend an Upcoming Webinar

• Introduction to Small Business Funding at the USDA | June 6, 2024, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern
• Learn How to Write a Strong USDA SBIR/STTR Application | June 27, 2024, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern

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You will begin receiving email notices from “ [email protected] ” sometime after midnight of the day the RFA is posted. Add that email address to your address book to ensure delivery in your inbox.

• National Program Leader: Dr. David Songstad
• Program Coordinator: Melinda Coffman
• Program Specialists: Nurun Nahar and Tammi Neville

Your feedback is important to us.

U.S. Government Accountability Office

Small Business Innovation Research: Better Data and Clarity on Eligibility of Venture Capital-Owned Businesses Are Needed

Agencies make Small Business Innovation Research awards to help small businesses bring their technologies to market. In this Q&A report, we review agencies' awards to businesses owned by venture capital firms, hedge funds, or private equity firms.

These awards increased substantially in FYs 2021-2023—largely due to awards from DOD. But DOD found reliability issues with its data on such firms, so the extent of the increase is unknown.

And some agencies may not understand when small businesses owned by these firms are eligible for the program.

We made related recommendations to DOD and the Small Business Administration, which oversees the program.

What GAO Found

For decades, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program has provided federal funding to small businesses for technology development and commercialization. In fiscal year (FY) 2022, the 11 participating federal agencies made over 5,000 SBIR awards to small businesses valued at nearly $4 billion. In 2011, Congress amended the Small Business Act to give participating agencies the authority to make SBIR awards to certain small businesses that are majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies (VCOC), hedge funds, or private equity firms (i.e., "qualified small businesses"). Agencies that use this authority must first submit a written determination to the Small Business Administration (SBA), which oversees the SBIR program, and certain congressional committees. Four agencies have used this authority to include qualified small businesses in their SBIR programs.

Only two of those agencies—the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Health and Human Services—made SBIR awards to qualified small businesses in FY 2021 through 2023. Despite this, the number of awards to such businesses and the dollars awarded to qualified small businesses appear to have increased substantially compared to the prior 6 years. The increase is largely due to Air Force's use of the authority beginning in FY 2021. However, the full extent of the increase is unknown; as a result of GAO's review, DOD uncovered reliability issues with the data used to identify its SBIR awards to qualified small businesses. DOD is taking steps to address data reliability, but these steps did not include processes to monitor the effectiveness of its efforts. Without quality data, DOD may report inaccurate information to SBA and may have difficulty meeting requirements to track its use of the authority to make awards to qualified small businesses.

Most agencies in the SBIR program have not used the authority to make SBIR awards to qualified small businesses. However, GAO found that some of these agencies may be inappropriately excluding some small businesses owned by VCOCs, hedge funds, or private equity firms that are eligible to participate in their SBIR programs without the agencies submitting a written determination to SBA and Congress. SBA updated its regulations in June 2016 and made other efforts to clarify eligibility rules for such businesses. Nonetheless, not all agencies were aware of the information SBA provided or fully understood VCOC-owned companies' eligibility, and officials from some of the agencies said eligibility issues related to small business ownership are potentially confusing. Without fully understanding the eligibility of companies owned by some VCOCs, hedge funds, or private equity firms, agencies may continue to inappropriately exclude certain companies from applying for and potentially receiving awards—contrary to SBIR program regulations and SBA guidance.

Why GAO Did This Study

Small businesses have been a major source of technology development in the U.S. economy but can face challenges obtaining the funding and investment needed to fully develop and commercialize their technologies. The SBIR program was established to increase the participation of small innovative companies in federally funded research and development. Eleven participating federal agencies make SBIR awards to small businesses. To qualify for awards, businesses must meet certain ownership and other eligibility criteria. The Small Business Act, as amended, authorizes agencies to allow participation in their SBIR programs by qualified small businesses.

The Small Business Act includes a provision for GAO to conduct a study of agencies' use of this authority and submit a report to Congress every 3 years. GAO's previous reports covered FY 2013 through 2020. This Q&A report, the fourth report in the series, provides information from FY 2021 through 2023 on the extent to which the 11 agencies in the SBIR program have elected to include qualified small businesses and the factors that have influenced these decisions.

GAO reviewed agencies' data on SBIR awards to qualified small businesses from FY 2021 through 2023, analyzed SBIR solicitations and other documents, and interviewed SBIR program officials from SBA and the 11 participating agencies.

Recommendations

GAO is making two recommendations, one to DOD and one to SBA. GAO is recommending that DOD monitor the effectiveness of its efforts to address the reliability issues in its data used to identify DOD's SBIR awards to qualified small businesses. GAO is recommending that SBA take further steps to ensure that all agencies understand the eligibility of small businesses with differing levels of VCOC, hedge fund, or private equity ownership to participate in SBIR. DOD agreed with our recommendation. SBA disagreed with our recommendation, stating it already clarified eligibility in this area. However, we maintain that further steps are still needed to ensure all agencies fully understand the SBIR program regulations and do not inappropriately exclude eligible businesses.

Recommendations for Executive Action

Full report, gao contacts.

Candice N. Wright Director [email protected] (202) 512-6888

Office of Public Affairs

Sarah Kaczmarek Acting Managing Director [email protected] (202) 512-4800

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Small Business Innovation Research Program

Upcoming Events

• Deconstructing SBIR - But Wait There's More! — June 20 

Attend the DHS SBIR Program's upcoming Deconstructing SBIR  webinar to learn about the ways in which DHS SBIR is engaging new and innovative small business to promote awareness of the program, resources for small businesses, and goals for the future through the new Phase 0 program. Please visit our event page to register for the webinar and learn more!

• Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) Vendor Outreach Session (VOS) — June 27

Join our next VOS with Small Business Specialists and Prime Contractors on June 27, 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET. Meeting requests are open from June 13 – June 18. Schedule your VOS by visiting the Small Business Vendor Outreach Sessions webpage .

S&T SBIR Program

DHS SBIR is proud to announce the launch of Phase 0, a program that can help potential applicants understand the submission process, provide access to assistance resources for new applicants and collaborate with individuals committed to diversifying the science and engineering workforce.

Now through January 2024, the Phase 0 program will offer the following series of webinars focused on providing more information about the 24.1 solicitation cycle:  

• How a Small Business Should Approach Understand the Pre-Solicitation
• Mandatory Federal Registrations 
• Confirming Eligibility and Using Your Time Wisely
• How to Prepare a Responsive Technical Proposal
• Principal Investigators and Other Personnel 
• Preparing Your Budget
• Protecting Your Intellectual Property
• Important Forms to Submit with Your DHS Proposal
• DHS SBIR Proposal Submission Process

These webinars are recommended for all innovative R&D small companies interested in learning more about the SBIR program and process. Register here for the Phase 0 webinars.

Phase I typically funds up to $175,000 for five months to determine the scientific and technical merit, and feasibility, of the proposed effort. Phase I awards are typically made within 45 days after selection.

Phase II typically funds up to $1,500,000 for 24 months to continue the R&D effort from the completed Phase I project and work towards a prototype demonstration. Only SBIR Phase I awardees are eligible to participate in subsequent phases. Options may be exercised for S&T SBIR Phase II projects that have firm commitments for follow-on funding.

Phase III is funded from a private or non-SBIR government source for commercialization or continued development and testing from an effort made under prior SBIR funding. Phase III work is typically oriented toward commercialization of an SBIR effort which can   include products, production, services, research and development or any such combination. Phase III has no limit on the number, duration, type or dollar value of awards made to a small business. There is also no limit on the time that may elapse between a Phase I or Phase II award and a Phase III award, or between a Phase III award and any subsequent Phase III award.

SBIR Success Stories

We are committed to identifying promising small businesses and innovative approaches to help address homeland security needs. Our success stories highlight companies that have made lasting impacts to our nation with successful technological innovations through the DHS SBIR Program. These examples showcase a number of small businesses from around the nation that have worked with S&T to develop and support the technology needs of our nation and homeland security end-users. Read our DHS SBIR success stories !

Deconstructing SBIR Video Series

Watch our videos explaining the SBIR process:

• Detecting Trapped Survivors OATS RFI
• Insights Outreach | Getting Onboard with SBIR
• What's New in 2022!
• 2021 Other Agency Technology Solutions (OATS) RFI
• Planning for Privacy
• Innovate S&T: SBIR Proposal Submission Process
• Innovate S&T: Making the Most of Your One-on-Ones
• SBIR One-on-One Dos and Don'ts
• SBIR 20.1 Solicitation
• SBIR 21.1 Pre-Solicitation
• TechTalk: Small Business Innovation Research Program
• DHS Announces New 24.1 Small Business Innovation Research Pre-Solicitation - November 15, 2023
• DHS Awards $14.9M to 15 U.S. Small Businesses for R&D Prototypes - August 29, 2023
• DHS Awards $3.15M to 20 U.S. Small Businesses for Proof-of-Concept Research - July 6, 2023
• DHS Opens 23.1 Small Business Innovation Research Solicitation - December 19, 2022
• DHS Announces New 23.1 Small Business Innovation Research Pre-Solicitation - November 18, 2022
• DHS Awards $9.8M for Small Businesses to Develop Security Technology Prototypes - June 30, 2022
• DHS SBIR to Host First Responder Technology Showcase - March 22, 2022
• DHS SBIR Seeks Solutions to Detect Survivors in a Building Collapse - February 7, 2022
• DHS S&T Announces Small Business Innovation Research Pre-Solicitation - November 22, 2021
• DHS Awards $1M to California Small Business for Soft Targets and Crowded Places Security Solutions - October 6, 2021

Solicitation Details

The DHS SBIR Program issues an annual solicitation with topics that cover DHS mission areas for which proposals are sought. Topics for solicitations are solicited by S&T and CWMD and address the needs of DHS Operational Components including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Secret Service—as well as first responders. As such, the solicitations typically consist of topics relevant to the following organization focus areas:

• Borders and Maritime Security
• Chemical and Biological Defense
• Critical Infrastructure and Resilience
• Cybersecurity
• Explosives Detection and Aviation Screening
• First Responders
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• Detecting Bioterrorism
• Technical Capability Standards for Radiological Detection

SBIR Program Portal

To learn more about the DHS SBIR Program and current solicitations please visit the SBIR program portal .

For more information about the SBIR program, contact the Program Director at [email protected] .

For more information about CWMD’s SBIR program, contact the Program Manager at [email protected] .

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This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov . This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2021. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

About the sbir program, basic information.

One of 11 federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs launched nearly 40 years ago, EPA’s SBIR is the small program with a big mission, to protect human health and the environment. Broad areas of focus typically stay the same and include clean and safe water, air quality, land revitalization, homeland security, sustainable materials management and safer chemicals.  More specific subtopics under each of these broad areas change from year to year.

For more information on the Federal SBIR programs, visit the  Small Business Administration's SBIR website .

Two-Phase Approach to Funding

EPA runs a yearly, two-phase process for awards. Each year, EPA issues a solicitation for research proposals for specific topics. For Phase I, EPA awards firm-fixed-price contracts of up to $100,000 for 6 months for “proof of concept” of the proposed technology. Companies who have received the Phase I can submit a proposal for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology. Through this phased approach, EPA can evaluate:

• whether the research idea is feasible,
• if the firm’s research is high-quality, and
• if sufficient technical and commercial progress has been made to justify a larger Phase II effort.

EPA also offers a "Commercialization Option" of up to $100,000 and one additional year for companies that secure third party investment in order to accelerate commercialization.

Is EPA SBIR Right for You?

While clean-up, containment systems, and other “end-of-pipe technologies” are still important, we want to foster game-changers that reduce or eliminate pollution in the first place. Consider joining us in the quest to find the next innovative technologies for protecting human health and the environment.

Learn How to Apply

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

• About SBIR Program
• SBIR Funding Opportunities
• How to Apply for an SBIR Contract
• SBIR Awards
• Grantee Research Project Results

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About EPA's SBIR Program

  On this page:

Phased Approach to Funding

• Success Stories
• Is SBIR Right for You?

EPA SBIR Solicitation Topics

Subscribe to updates.

Sign up for the EPA SBIR Listserv to stay up to date with EPA SBIR funding opportunities and news!

2024 Program Brochure

SBIRTrifold2024 (pdf) (2.5 MB)

One of 11 federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs launched over 40 years ago, EPA’s SBIR program is the small program with a big mission, to protect human health and the environment. As part of "America's Seed Fund," EPA SBIR funds small businesses to develop and commercialize innovative environmental technologies in broad focus areas which include clean and safe water, air quality and climate, land revitalization, homeland security, sustainable materials management/circular economy, safer chemicals, and risk assessment. Proposals should be responsive to the annual topics under these broad areas.

Program Objectives

• Support for innovative green technology
• Focus on commercialization
• Communication of successes
• Protect the planet

For more information on the Federal SBIR programs, visit the  Small Business Administration's SBIR website .

SBIR projects are funded in a phased approach. Each year, EPA issues a Phase I solicitation for technology proposals addressing specific topics. Proposals are evaluated on their technical merit, potential for commercialization and impact/relevance in the given topic area.

For Phase I, EPA awards firm-fixed-price contracts of up to $100,000 for 6 months for “proof of concept” of the proposed technology.  Small businesses that have received a Phase I can submit a proposal for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology. 

To accelerate commercialization, EPA also offers a "Commercialization Option" of up to $100,000 in Phase II for companies that secure third-party investment.

SBIR Success Stories

Ecovative designs.

Ecovative Designs has developed mushroom-based materials for various uses including packaging, construction materials, and furniture. The company uses bio-fabrication using mycelium grown on natural/waste products as their main source material. Ecovative has achieved multiple successes through gaining clients like Ikea and Crate & Barrel, and launching a spinoff, MyForest Foods to produce gourmet mycelia for whole-food, meat-free ingredients.

AquaRealTime

AquaRealTime , a small business based in Boulder, Colorado, has released a new product, the OxyTracker. The OxyTracker is a cost-effective option for measuring dissolved oxygen (DO) in water, which serves as a crucial indicator of water quality. The device can be used as an early warning system for organic water contamination, such as harmful algal blooms (HABs), allowing users to make important decisions regarding use or access to water. The device can accurately measure DO over a wide range and has even been commercialized with 200 units now operating in 22 states of the US, Canada, and Germany. The OxyTracker is a successor to the focus of AquaRealTime’s SBIR Phase I project , the Algae Tracker

Pure Blue Tech

Pure Blue Tech   has developed a technology that uses ultrasound generated via thin and flexible efficient transducers, embedded in membrane filters- which effectively reduces the occurrence of membrane fouling by up to half. This technology can lower the cost of reverse osmosis treatment which is key to many reuse applications. As a result, Pure Blue Tech’s prototype technology has been successfully integrated in industrial-scale reverse osmosis systems and have pilot projects planned across North America to advance this innovative technology. Pure Blue was also able to recently secure an investment of $2 million in funding, to expand their company and accelerate product development.

Read more SBIR Success Stories .

Is EPA SBIR Right for You?

Are you ready to join hundreds of small businesses that have used EPA SBIR awards to develop and commercialize their environmental technologies? If your small business has a technology solution that helps solve one of EPA's priority topic areas, consider submitting your idea to help us protect public health and address our most pressing environmental problems. EPA welcomes proposals from small businesses and start-ups new to the program.

How to Apply for an SBIR Contract  

Sign up for the EPA SBIR Listserv to stay up to date with EPA SBIR funding opportunities and news

The next EPA SBIR solicitation is anticipated to open in June 2024. The proposed topics are:

Clean and Safe Water

• Nature-based Solutions for Water Reuse
• Technologies for the Treatment of PFAS in Wastewater Sewage Sludge and Biosolids
• Treatment for Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water at the Household Scale

Air Quality & Climate

• Technologies and Tools to Monitor and Reduce Air Toxics Exposures  
• Air Pollution Control Technologies for Small Sources

Homeland Security

• Scenario-Based Training for Disaster Response

Circular Economy/Sustainable Materials

• Preventing and Recycling Food Waste 
• Source Reduction and Reuse
• Lowering Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment

Safer Chemicals

• Rubber Anti-Degradants that are Lower Concern for Human Health and the Environment
• Next Generation Fertilizers

For questions, contact April Richards, SBIR Program Manager ( [email protected] ) or (202) 564-6462

• About SBIR Program
• Resources for Awardees
• SBIR Funding Opportunities
• How to Apply for an SBIR Contract
• SBIR Awards
• About Research Grants

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

The EPA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program issues an annual solicitation for proposals from U.S. small businesses to develop and commercialize innovative technologies that address the Agency’s mission. Topics for the 2024-2025 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Solicitation include source reduction and reuse and lowering embodied carbon in the built environment!

Eligible Recipients

To receive an SBIR award, the awardee must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC) as defined by SBA regulations at 13 C.F.R. §§ 701-705. The eligibility requirements for the SBIR/STTR programs are unique and do not correspond to those of other small business programs.

Funding Source

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Funding Amount

Calling for small businesses to apply for Phase I awards of up to $100,000 to demonstrate proof of concept in one of this year’s SBIR solicitation topics. Successful Phase I awardees are eligible to receive Phase II funding, up to $400,000 for two years, through an additional application process.

The EPA’s 2024-2025 SBIR Phase I solicitation is anticipated to open in June 2024.

The SBIR Phase I solicitation Informational Webinar will give attendees an overview of anticipated topics; review administrative, submission, eligibility and proposal evaluation processes; and share frequently asked questions. Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 2:00 p.m. ET Register here: Information and registration

If you have questions or comments about EPA’s research projects and funding opportunities, please complete the contact form below or email [email protected] . For other EPA-related questions, visit the main EPA contact page .

More Information

https://www.epa.gov/sbir/2024-2025-epa-sbir-phase-i-solicitation-informational-webinar

NINDS Small Business Program

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Program is a congressionally-mandated set-aside program to encourage research and development leading to commercialization.

T he  NINDS   Small Business Program is used to achieve the mission of the Institute by supporting innovative ideas at different stages of development, including applied bench research, translational research, and early-stage clinical trials. 

Potential applicants should  send a brief abstract or overview of their technology at least one month before  the  SBIR/STTR standard deadline . Contact Small Business Program staff at:  [email protected]   Further questions? Visit our list of  NINDS Small Business FAQS .

Learn more about the NINDS Small Business Program

• Business Essentials
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• Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)

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Assess new business opportunities, harness innovation, and transform your idea into a viable venture.

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Master a proven framework for building and financing new ventures, and make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

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Strengthen your capacity to create winning strategies and bring innovations to market by discovering customer jobs to be done and aligning your business’s resources, processes, and profit formula.

Design Thinking and Innovation

Uncover innovative solutions to your most challenging business problems.

Launching Tech Ventures

Build a viable, valuable tech venture that can profitably scale.

Negotiation Mastery

Secure maximum value for your organization through a mastery of negotiation techniques.

Winning with Digital Platforms

Thrive in the age of digital platforms.

Leading Change and Organizational Renewal

Drive transformation in your organization by learning how to execute for today and innovate for tomorrow.

What Will You learn in an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Course?

Entrepreneurship and innovation are crucial to staying ahead. By studying entrepreneurship and innovation , you can position yourself to succeed in today's dynamic market, whether you're a current or aspiring entrepreneur looking to grow your startup company or a strategist interested in introducing innovation ideas to your organization.

A course about entrepreneurship and innovation will teach you how to assess new business opportunities and use creativity to take your initial ideas and turn them into successful, groundbreaking business ventures.

What You Earn

Certificate of Completion

Take any individual course to earn a Certificate of Completion and boost your resume.

Certificate of Specialization

Complete any three courses within this subject area to earn a Certificate of Specialization and signify your deep expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation.

What Learners are Saying

Disruptive Strategy has given me confidence and clarity in my decisions, and I can already see the material impact of applying this model and mindset to our business and culture.

I was not well versed in several important aspects of entrepreneurship like investment structure, fundraising, and valuation. Entrepreneurship Essentials covered these topics well.

I am using some of the negotiation preparation techniques from the course in different aspects of my job. Overall, I feel more confident in situations that might have once felt intimidating.

What sets HBS Online apart?

Real-world cases, hbs online vs. other top business schools with online, asynchronous courses, are entrepreneurship courses worth it, related content.

So You Want to Be an Entrepreneur: How to Get Started

Which HBS Online Entrepreneurship & Innovation Course is Right for You?

6 Must-Have Entrepreneurial Skills

Innovation in Business: What It is & Why It's so Important

How are innovation and entrepreneurship connected.

Innovation is a unique and valuable product, service, business model, or strategy. It can be disruptive or sustaining , meaning it doesn’t always require a groundbreaking idea or new business model. Instead, it can include minor enhancements to customer service or existing products.

Entrepreneurship is about recognizing the potential of innovative ideas, creating opportunities, and adding value that continues to grow. These subjects build on each other and can create well-rounded business leaders.

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