Company Registrations Required for SBIR/STTR Grants

Before you can apply to the government for funding to start your business, including SBIR/STTR grants, you must complete several additional registrations beyond establishing your business as a legal entity.

The four business registrations required to get NIH grants are:

1. System for Award Management (SAM) – Registration is required to do business with the government through SAM.gov, including getting a federal grant. It can take 2 to 6 weeks and must be renewed annually.
   • Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) – This 12-digit number identifies your organization for doing business with the U.S. government. It is obtained while getting your SAM registration.
2. Grants.gov – Register to access and apply for federal funding. UEI and SAM registrations are required. Registration takes several days to 5 weeks for organizations and 2 days for individuals.
3. Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Commons – eRA is the NIH online research administration used to submit grants and grant reviews. Start registration at least 6 weeks before grant submission. Registration with login.gov also required.
4. Small Business Administration (SBA) Company Registry – Provides access to SBIR.gov. Registration takes only one business day. UEI and email plus EIN are required. Apply before submitting a grant application.

You will also need:

Employer Identification Number (EIN) – This number, obtained from the IRS, is needed to obtain licenses, hire, and open a bank account. Registration takes up to the next business day.