Small Business Application Process and Resources
This page features resources to help small businesses apply for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding.
SBIR/STTR Application Basics
- Omnibus Solicitation and other grant opportunities follow the NIH Standard Receipt Dates for SBIR and STTR (September 5, January 5, April 5)
- SF424 SBIR/STTR Application Guide for NIH and Other PHS Agencies (Forms I)
- Annotated Form Set for NIH Small Business (SBIR/STTR) Grant Applications (Forms H)
- Using NIH ASSIST to help submit your grant application
- Talk to our program directors before you start your preparation!
Who is Eligible for SBIR/STTR Funding?
The NCI's SBIR/STTR funding is for small businesses based in the United States. Companies must meet eligibility criteria.
- Status: Applicant must be a for-profit US small business.
- Location: Applicant must be based in the US, with work performed in the US.
- Size: Applicant must have 500 or fewer employees, including affiliates.
- Ownership: >50% owned by U.S. individuals and independently operated OR
- >50% owned and controlled by another (one) business concern that is >50% owned and controlled by one or more individuals OR
- >50% owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, or any combination of these (SBIR only)
SBIR/STTR Sample Applications
| Funded Company | Application Type | Technology Type | Application Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISPIN, Inc. | Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) | Digital Health | R43 (Forms-D) Full Application Specific Aims page |
| Courier Therapeutics, Inc. | Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (STTR) | Drug Discovery and Development | R41 (Forms-D) Full Application Specific Aims page |
| Enspectra Health, Inc. | Phase IIB Bridge Award | Medical Device | R44 (Forms-F) Full Application Specific Aims page |
| Stingray Therapeutics, Inc. | Direct to Phase II (SBIR Only) | Therapeutics | R44 (Forms-G) Full Application Specific Aims page |
NIH Funding Processes
- NIH SBIR/STTR Application Processes—Learn about the National Institutes of Health (NIH) SBIR/STTR funding application processes.
- NIH Grant Processes—Learn about the steps required for an application to proceed from planning and submission through to award and closeout.
- NIH SBIR/STTR Just-in-Time Procedures—The Just-in-Time feature of the eRA Commons allows a signing official to electronically submit additional grant application information that is requested by the grantor agency after the completion of the peer review and prior to funding.
- NIH ASSIST—The Application Submission System & Interface for Submission Tracking (ASSIST) system is used to prepare and submit grant applications electronically to NIH.
NIH Resources
- NCI Resources for Researchers—Find NCI-supported tools and services for cancer researchers.
- NIH Matchmaker—Use this site to conduct keyword searches on particular topic areas to identify NIH Institutes and Centers that have previously funded research in that area.
- NIH RePORTER—Find previously funded projects through this site.
Non-NIH Resources