America’s Seed Fund has invested in a diverse portfolio of startups and small businesses across technology areas and markets to stimulate technological innovation, meet Federal research and development (R&D) needs, and increase commercialization to transition R&D into impact. America’s Seed Fund fosters and encourages participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by all people, including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and entrepreneurs located in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
SBIR Agencies
Eleven federal agencies participate in the SBIR program based on their level of extramural R&D budgets that exceed $100M.
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- Department of Health and Human Services (NIH, FDA, and CDC)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Department of Commerce (DOC)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Department of Education (ED)
- Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Environment Protection Agency (EPA)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
Go to our Library: Resources by Agency to access solicitations, tools and resources.
STTR Agencies
Five federal agencies participate in the STTR program as a result of their extramural R&D budgets that exceed $1B. STTR projects must include a research institution as a collaborative research partner.
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- Department of Health and Human Services (NIH, FDA, and CDC)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Go to our Library: Resources by Agency to access solicitations, tools and resources.
SBIR/STTR Phases
Phase I: The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed R/R&D efforts and to determine the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization prior to providing further Federal support in Phase II. SBIR/STTR Phase I awards are generally $50,000 – $250,000 for 6 months (SBIR) or 1 year (STTR). Note: Selected agencies offer higher funding amounts based on the technology and other factors.
Phase II: The objective of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II. Typically, only Phase I awardees are eligible for a Phase II award. SBIR/STTR Phase II awards are generally $750,000 for 2 years. Note: Selected agencies offer higher funding amounts based on the technology and other factors.
Fast-Track: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) SBIR Fast-Track incorporates a submission and review process in which both Phase I and Phase II applications are submitted and reviewed together as one application to reduce or eliminate the funding gap between phases. Note: Selected agencies offer higher funding amounts based on the technology and other factors.
Direct to Phase II: For small businesses that have already demonstrated scientific and technical merit and feasibility but have not received a Phase I SBIR or STTR for that project, NIH can issue a Direct to Phase II award. The NIH will accept Direct to Phase II applications regardless of the funding source for the proof of principle work on which the proposed Phase II research is based. Other agencies that offer Direct to Phase II opportunities include the Department of Defense and the Department of Education. Note: Selected agencies offer higher funding amounts based on the technology and other factors.
Sequential Phase II/Phase IIB: A Phase II Awardee may receive one additional, sequential Phase II award to continue the work of an initial Phase II award. The additional, sequential Phase II award has the same guideline amounts and limits as an initial Phase II award. For example, some agencies administer Phase IIB awards that differ from the base Phase II in that they require third party matching of the SBIR/STTR funds.
Phase III: The objective of Phase III, where appropriate, is for the small business to pursue commercialization objectives resulting from the Phase I/II R/R&D activities. The SBIR/STTR programs do not fund Phase III. At some Federal agencies, Phase III may involve follow-on non-SBIR/STTR funded R&D or production contracts for products, processes or services intended for use by the U.S. Government.