How Do I Get an SBIR Grant?

Find an open topic in a participating agency's SBIR solicitation, make sure your company qualifies (a for-profit U.S. business with fewer than 500 employees, owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents), register in SAM.gov, and submit a proposal before that solicitation closes.

$335,937As of October 16, 2026, agencies may issue a Phase I award of up to $335,937 and a Phase II award of up to $2,239,578 without asking SBA for approval.
$2,239,578As of October 16, 2026, agencies may issue a Phase I award of up to $335,937 and a Phase II award of up to $2,239,578 without asking SBA for approval.
0%The government takes 0% of your equity or intellectual property.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, known as America's Seed Fund, gives small businesses non-dilutive funding to research and develop a technology and move it toward commercialization. The Small Business Administration (SBA) coordinates the program, but the money comes from 11 participating federal agencies, and each agency runs its own SBIR program, posts its own solicitations and picks its own winners. That means you don't apply to SBIR in general: you answer a specific agency topic before its closing date. SBIR's authority lapsed on September 30, 2025, and Congress restored it with Public Law 119-83, signed April 13, 2026, which extends the program through September 30, 2031. As of October 16, 2026, agencies may issue a Phase I award of up to $335,937 and a Phase II award of up to $2,239,578 without asking SBA for approval. The government takes 0% of your equity or intellectual property.

Last checked: November 4, 2026. This page explains the rules only. It is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.

The short version

SBIR awards come from federal agencies, one solicitation and topic at a time. Start by finding a topic that fits your technology.
Phase I funds a proof of concept, usually over 6 to 12 months.
Phase II continues the research and development, usually over 24 months. Typically only Phase I awardees can get Phase II awards.
Phase III is commercialization in the private sector or federal contracting. No SBIR money is awarded in Phase III.
Awards are competitive, and the award may not cover all of your research costs.
The 2026 reauthorization added stronger research-security screening for foreign ties and a new Phase II strategic breakthrough funding option.

Who qualifies

A for-profit business located in the United States.
Fewer than 500 employees. SBIR.gov notes most applicants have fewer than 10.
Owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Extra restrictions apply to some venture capital ownership, so check the full eligibility guidelines.
A Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov, which you need to receive an award.
Not eligible to receive an award directly: nonprofit organizations. A nonprofit can be a minority investor, subcontractor or sub-grantee.

SBIR vs. STTR

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program works much like SBIR, with one key difference: the small business must formally partner with a research institution and subcontract part of the award to it. Eligible research institutions are nonprofit colleges and universities, domestic nonprofit scientific or research organizations, and federally funded research and development centers. If your idea came out of a university lab, STTR may be the better fit.

How to get it

How to get started

Search open topics and solicitations on SBIR.gov, or browse the participating agencies to see which missions match your technology.
Read the entire solicitation. Agencies set their own deadlines, award sizes and proposal rules, and small administrative mistakes can disqualify a proposal.
Confirm your company meets the eligibility rules above.
Register in SAM.gov and get your Unique Entity ID. Do this early, since you need it to receive an award.
Get help if you want it. SBIR.gov's Find Local Assistance tool lists organizations that help with proposals, SAM registration and commercialization. Some states also run Phase 0 programs that help cover the cost of preparing a first proposal.
Submit your proposal through the agency's SBIR or STTR program before the closing date, then plan for review times that vary by agency.

Programs that may match

Look beyond SBIR

See other federal grants and funding for new businessesgovernment grants for starting a business.Doing research and development? See whether you can use the R&D tax credit against payroll taxes.Planning a project that creates jobs in your region? See EDA grants for economic development projects.Find other programs you may qualify for with FundPlenty's free match at fundplenty.com.

FAQ

Is the SBIR program still running in 2026?

Yes. SBIR and STTR authority lapsed on September 30, 2025. Public Law 119-83, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, was signed on April 13, 2026, and extends both programs through September 30, 2031.

How much money is an SBIR award?

It depends on the agency and the solicitation. As of October 16, 2026, agencies may issue a Phase I award of up to $335,937 and a Phase II award of up to $2,239,578, including modifications, without SBA approval. Larger awards require a waiver.

Who is eligible for an SBIR award?

A for-profit U.S. business with fewer than 500 employees that is owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Some venture capital ownership has extra restrictions.

Does the government take equity in my company?

No. SBIR.gov says the government takes no equity or intellectual property ownership in exchange for SBIR or STTR funding.

What is the difference between SBIR and STTR?

STTR requires the small business to formally partner with a research institution, such as a nonprofit university, and subcontract part of the award to it. SBIR doesn't require that partnership.

Can a nonprofit apply for an SBIR grant?

No. A nonprofit organization can't directly receive an SBIR or STTR award, but it can be a minority investor, subcontractor or sub-grantee on a project.