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Catalyst Program Application

Ready to take your innovation to the next level?

MNSBIR Programs - CATALYSTStart your Catalyst Program application with MNSBIR, Inc. to access expert guidance toward federal non-dilutive R&D funding. This application helps us understand your business, innovation, and needs so we can tailor our support.

  • Eligible applicants are Minnesota-based startups or small businesses engaged in applied research with commercialization potential.
  • Applications are accepted year-round, reviewed upon submission, and kept confidential.
  • Before applying, please download the MNSBIR Overview.
  • Please review all application requirements carefully before preparing your responses.
    You may save your progress and return later by using the button at the bottom of the form.
  • For questions, contact info@minnesotasbir.org.

References

  • What is the ownership and eligibility criteria?

    The Ownership Requirement:
    A majority (more than 50%) of your firms’ equity (e.g., stock) must be directly owned and controlled by one of the following: 1) One or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S., 2) Other for-profit small business concerns (each of which is directly owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S.).

    • This includes a single VCOC, HF, or PEF that is itself a small business concern which is more than 50% directly owned and controlled by individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S.
    • This also includes applicants more than 50% directly owned and controlled by ANCs, NHOs, or Indian Tribes or by a wholly owned subsidiary of an ANC, NHO, or Indian Tribe.  September 2024 6 3) A combination of the scenarios presented in (1) and (2) above. 4) Multiple VCOCs, HFs, PEFs, or any combination of these, so long as no one such firm owns or controls more than 50% of the equity.

    Note: This option is allowed only for SBIR awards from agencies that are using the authority provided in § 5107 of the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act (majority‐VC‐owned authority), 15 U.S.C. § 638(dd)(1).

  • What defines Veteran and BIPOC status?

    Veteran is defined as a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who has served in any branch of the U.S. armed forces, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

    BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Color) is defined as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who identifies as Black or African-American; Asian; American Indian or Alaska Native; or Hispanic, Spanish or Latin origin.

    Why do we collect this information?
    As a federal and state funded business, we must report demographic information. Answers do not impact the acceptance or denial of the Catalyst Application.

  • The form is not accepting my website address.

    The full website must be listed (e.g. http://www.yourwebsite.com)

    Note: If no website exists, this may be left intentionally blank.

  • Where can I find my Legislative Districts?

    Using the legal business address visit Who Represents Me? to find information on the Congressional district, Minnesota Senate district, and Minnesota House of Representative district.

    Example: MN House – 51B, MN Senate – 51, U.S. House – 3

    Please note in this example:

    • The Minnesota House and Senate numbers should be the same.
    • The U.S. House number is the Congressional District

  • What is my Technology Readiness Level (TRL)?

    The federal SBIR/STTR programs seek novel ideas, concepts and projects with strong commercial potential. Funding supports early stage product research and development projects with significant technical risk. The federal government uses various technical readiness system to determine the maturity of the technology.

    The most recognizable, developed by NASA, is called the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).

    Learn more: minnesotasbir.org/download/technology-readiness-levels/

Navigation at the bottom of the form will only allow you to proceed when all fields have been filled, however, you may skip to different sections by clicking on the title or number at the top of the form.

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