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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

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

  • Updated:

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