The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a large and competitive initiative administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization.

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is another program that expands these funding opportunities to foster public/private sector partnership through joint venture opportunities for small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. 

Eleven federal agencies participate in one or both of these programs, providing opportunities for a wide range of companies. To find out more about eligibility requirements, as well as agency priorities and processes, head to SBIR.gov.

Additionally, we recommend checking out the Comprehensive Guide to the SBIR Program from our friends at Fundera.