The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are grant and contract award programs started in 1982. Both programs are developed to encourage the innovative, productive talents of small research, technology and manufacturing companies to help meet a wide variety of changing needs as set forth in specific solicitations by our nation's government operations.

The SBIR program funds early-stage R&D at small companies through either grants or contracts, with agency R&D funds specifically set aside for small businesses and is designed to:

·      stimulate technological innovation

·      increase private sector commercialization of federal R&D

·      increase small business participation in federally funded R&D

·      foster participation by minority and disadvantaged firms in technological innovation

To participate in the SBIR program:

·      a firm must be a U.S. for-profit small business of 500 or fewer employees

·      work must be performed in the United States

·      during Phase I, a minimum of 2/3 of the effort must be performed by the proposing firm; a minimum of 1/2 of the effort in Phase II