SBIR — Small Business Innovation Research
Offered by Eleven federal agencies (coordinated by SBA)
Government Active
Key details
- Award range
- Phase I typically up to ~$275K; Phase II up to ~$1.8M (varies by agency)
- Business stage
- Startup
- Industry
- Technology
- Location
- United States
- Last checked by BTV
- August 5, 2026
About this program
<p>SBIR — "America's Seed Fund" — is the largest source of non-dilutive early-stage funding in the United States, awarding billions annually across agencies including DoD, HHS/NIH, NSF, DOE, and NASA.</p><p>Awards are grants or contracts, not loans, and the government takes no equity. Phase I proves feasibility; Phase II funds development; Phase III targets commercialization.</p><p>Official source: <a href="https://www.sbir.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sbir.gov/</a>. Program terms, deadlines, and award amounts change — always verify directly with the administering organization before applying. BTV lists this program for informational purposes and is not affiliated with the provider. Beware of third parties charging fees to "unlock" government grants; official program information is free.</p>
Eligibility
For-profit U.S. small businesses (under 500 employees, majority U.S.-owned) performing R&D matching agency solicitation topics. Principal investigator employment requirements apply.
How to apply
Apply directly through the program's official channels. BTV does not process applications and never charges for grant information.
Avoid grant scams: legitimate government and foundation grants never require an upfront fee, gift cards, or your full banking credentials to apply. Only apply through the official links above. If someone contacts you claiming to "guarantee" this grant for a fee, report it via our
contact page.
BTV has flagged this program's scam-risk status as low — use extra caution.
Stay on top of funding
Deadlines and award amounts change. Get funding roundups in the BTV newsletter, or tell us about a program we're missing.
Program details are compiled from the provider's published materials and were last checked on August 5, 2026. Terms, deadlines, and award amounts may change without notice — always confirm on the official program page before applying.