Last Updated: November 1, 2026
America’s Seed Fund SBIR/STTR can help pay to test and build new technology. It suits a small business with a research problem to solve. It will not fund a shop opening, stock for resale, or a routine website build.
Women can apply, but these are not women-only awards. First, find an agency that needs your type of research. Then check its live funding notice before you write a proposal.
Current status, checked October 30, 2026: The law signed April 13, 2026 renewed SBIR and STTR through September 30, 2031. Each agency sets its own calls and due dates. Renewal does not mean every call is open.
What is America’s Seed Fund?
It is the shared name for two federal research programs:
- SBIR: Small Business Innovation Research.
- STTR: Small Business Technology Transfer.
Agencies award funds for research and development, or R&D. You test a new idea, solve a hard technical problem, and show how the result could reach buyers.
A new health test, farm sensor, lab tool, clean energy process, or safer computer system might fit. Some topics cover robots, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, or transport. A salon seeking chairs would need a different funding source. The key is the research work, not just the industry.
Awards can be grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. A contract pays for work the agency seeks. The agency takes a more active role in a cooperative agreement. These awards are not standard loans, and the government does not take shares in your business. You must still follow the award terms, including data and invention rights.
Who can apply?
Start with the SBA’s SBIR/STTR eligibility rules. In general, your business must:
- Be for profit and have a U.S. place of business.
- Operate mainly in the U.S. or make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy.
- Have 500 or fewer employees, counting related firms called affiliates.
- Meet ownership and control rules. Usually, more than 50% must be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or qualifying small businesses.
- Carry out the funded research in the U.S., unless the agency approves an allowed exception.
Some SBIR agencies allow certain firms owned by multiple investment funds. STTR has different rules. Ask the agency to check any complex ownership structure before you apply.
A nonprofit cannot receive the main award. It may be a research partner. A new firm can qualify, but check when the agency requires it to be formed and registered. Our small business grant eligibility guide can help you organize your records.
SBIR or STTR: which should you choose?
SBIR: Your firm leads the work. Under the usual rules, it must perform at least two-thirds of the research effort in Phase I. In Phase II, it must perform at least half.
STTR: Your firm must partner with an eligible U.S. nonprofit research institution. This could be a university or a federally funded R&D center. Your firm must do at least 40% of the work. One partner institution must do at least 30%. Your business applies and receives the main award.
The SBA’s eligibility tutorial explains work shares and project leaders. For SBIR, the lead researcher usually must work mainly for your firm. STTR may allow the lead to work for the partner. Agency rules can be stricter: NSF requires primary employment at the business for both.
For STTR, agree in writing on rights to inventions and future use before the award. The SBIR/STTR policy directive sets out this requirement.
How much funding can you get?
There is no single award amount. The funding notice sets the budget you may request.
As of October 16, 2026, SBA lists general award thresholds of $335,937 for Phase I and $2,239,578 for Phase II. Higher awards need a waiver under that guidance. These are not sums every applicant can request. An agency may offer less.
- Phase I: Test whether the idea can work. Many projects last six to 12 months; agency terms vary.
- Phase II: Build and test further. Projects often last about two years. Funding is not automatic after Phase I.
- Phase III: Bring the result to market. This stage uses customer sales, investors, federal contracts, or other funds, rather than SBIR/STTR program funds.
The SBA’s application overview explains these phases. Some agencies offer Fast-Track or direct Phase II routes. Use one only if the notice allows it and you meet its rules.
How to apply for SBIR/STTR funding
1. Find a live notice that fits
Search SBIR.gov’s topics and funding notices. Then read the original notice on the agency’s site. SBIR.gov warns that its copies may not be the latest version.
- NSF: NSF 26-510 lists Phase I grants up to $305,000 for six to 18 months. Phase II support is up to $1.25 million. The next full proposal deadline is November 4, 2026, at 5 p.m. in your organization’s local time.
- Health research: Check NIH’s funding notices. A forecast announces a future call; it does not accept applications yet.
- Energy research: Use DOE’s current program page. Its July 2026 Phase I Genesis call is closed. Do not use that old call as an open application route.
NSF has an extra first step: submit a Project Pitch and receive an invitation before a full Phase I proposal. Pitch replies typically take one to two months. A new applicant should plan for a later deadline, not rush toward November 4. NSF also lists March 4, 2027. Check your invitation’s valid submission dates.
First take the fit assessment on NSF’s pitch page. NSF allows up to two pitches per firm in 12 months, with no more than three for the same project. Only one pitch may be under review at a time. The page lists further rules for repeat submissions.
Save the notice number, topic, award type, budget cap, due date, and submission site. Ask the named contact about fit and unclear rules. Our guide can help you plan clear questions for a grant provider.
2. Start registrations early
Use your legal business name and tax details consistently. The main steps include:
- Complete full SAM.gov entity registration and obtain a Unique Entity ID, or UEI. Getting a UEI alone is not full registration.
- Register in the SBA Company Registry and save your company ID.
- Set up the accounts named in the notice. NSF’s registration guide explains its Research.gov requirements. You do not need these registrations to send NSF a Project Pitch. NIH needs Grants.gov and eRA Commons accounts.
Follow NIH’s registration checklist if applying there. NIH says the full process can take six weeks or more. Grants.gov’s registration guide also explains who can submit for your firm. Keep SAM registration active and renew it each year.
3. Build the research plan and budget
Follow the agency’s forms and page limits. Explain:
- What problem you will solve and who needs the result.
- What is new, what remains unproven, and how you will test it.
- Which results will show success, and what you will do if a test fails.
- Who will do the work and why the team can do it.
- How buyers could use or pay for the result.
Request only costs the award allows. These may include research pay, test materials, outside experts, and approved overhead. A founder may receive pay for allowed project work. Personal bills and unrelated stock are not research costs.
Use our guide to explaining your use of funds to link costs to tasks. Our business plan guide can help you describe buyers and sales. Follow the agency’s required format.
4. Check, submit, and save proof
Include all required ownership, foreign ties, other funding, and research security disclosures. Check the agency’s limits on repeat submissions and the number of proposals. These can vary.
Use our grant proposal mistakes checklist for a final read. Submit through the portal named in the notice. Check both receipt and validation messages. Fix errors before the deadline and keep the final file and tracking number. Do not assume an uploaded file has been accepted.
Fees, limits, and help with the work
There is no federal SBIR/STTR application fee. Grants.gov confirms that federal grant applications are free. SAM.gov and Grants.gov registration are free too. A paid proposal writer is optional. You still need time, staff, and records to meet the award terms. Check the notice for any cost-sharing rules.
Find a local provider through the Federal and State Technology (FAST) program. Ask about proposal review or help with research funding. FAST funds support organizations; it is not a direct federal grant application for your startup.
An SBA resource partner, such as a Women’s Business Center or Small Business Development Center, can help with planning or referrals. Ask about fees before booking support.
What if SBIR/STTR is not a fit?
For stock, equipment, or working capital, compare other funding routes. SBA microloans offer up to $50,000 through approved local lenders. They must be repaid with interest. Ask the lender about eligibility, fees, and monthly payments.
For grants, use our guide to finding business grants for women. Check each funder’s current rules before applying. If a research proposal is declined, request feedback where offered. Use it to improve the project or find a better agency match.
How to avoid grant scams
Start from an official agency page. No writer can promise an award. Do not pay a fee to “release” grant funds. The FTC’s grant scam guide warns about demands for gift cards, wire transfers, and crypto. Verify unexpected messages through the agency’s published contact details.
Frequently asked questions
Is SBIR/STTR only for women-owned firms?
No. Eligible firms can apply regardless of the owner’s gender. You do not need women-owned business certification just to apply.
Can I apply before my business has sales?
Yes. Sales are not a general program requirement. You still need an eligible business, a research plan, and a case for future demand. Check the agency’s rules for new firms.
Do I need a university partner?
STTR requires an eligible research partner. SBIR does not. A university is one option for STTR; other qualifying U.S. research institutions can also serve.
Must I repay the award?
It is not a standard loan. You must meet the award terms. Misused funds or other breaches can lead to recovery of funds or other action.
Does Phase I guarantee Phase II?
No. You must meet the agency’s rules for moving forward. Research results, the proposal, review, and available funds matter.
Your next step
Write one page on the problem, your new approach, the test you need, and likely buyers. Find one live notice that fits. Take both to an SBIR/STTR adviser before you spend weeks on an application.
Last Updated: November 1, 2026
