Explore what research the agencies fund.
Determine whether your small business is eligible.
Obtain the required business registrations.
Explore funding paths. Talk to NIH Staff about your idea.
Look for funding opportunities announcements (FOAs) described in NIH Omnibus document, NSF funding opportunities (searchable), or contract opportunities in the annual SBIR Contract Solicitation.
Write your proposal and submit it electronically.
NIH reviews your proposal, makes funding decisions, and awards grant funding.
Determine the Eligibility of Your Business for SBIR/STTR
For your business to be eligible for an SBIR/STTR application, it must be:
- A small business concern, organized for-profit, and U.S. based
- Have a limited number of employees, no more than 500 including affiliates.
- Owned in majority >50%) by U.S. individuals and independently operated or several other options involving other businesses or companies. (See the Eligibility Criteria)
- Spend the money in the U.S.
The SBIR/STTR list of Small Business Eligibility Criteria describe the ownership options, details of how “for-profit” is determined, the required legal form of the business, and other specifications.
Source: Franca-Koh J. & Davis S. Funding and Commercialization Resources for Small Businesses. SBIR Development Center. Slide/Talk: July 13, 2021.
Resource: SBIR/STTR Eligibility Requirements – FAQs answered on SBIR.gov about SBIR/STTR eligibility for your business.
Resources:
How to Apply-See this NIH Step by Step instructions for SBIR and STTR grants.
Sample Applications – SBIR applications supplied by NIAID. Look for the list of Small Business Applications.
Seed Updates Listserv – signup to receive NIH SEED updates
Contact email for NIH SEED: seedinfo@nih.gov
