For applicants

If you’re interested in applying for funding, we encourage you to watch our videos, join us at an event, or reach out directly to our program directors to learn more about the program and what we hope to see in your proposal.

Q&A videos

Thinking of applying for Phase I funding?

Check out our video covering program basics.

(We offer a PDF version of program basics, too.)

Startup profiles

See videos about our program and the startups we fund.

Project Pitch

Wondering if your idea is a good fit? The first step in the process is to submit your written Project Pitch. Startups or entrepreneurs who submit a Project Pitch will learn if they meet the program’s objectives and be invited to submit a full proposal.

Apply

Once you’ve received an invitation to submit a proposal (via the Project Pitch process), we encourage you to dig into the following resources to support you as you create your SBIR/STTR proposal.

FAQ

Have lingering questions? Visit our FAQ, which covers the pre-application process to post-award reporting (and everything in between).

Proposal submission guide

Before you start your proposal, take a look at our proposal submission guide.

Review Guidelines

Read the Merit Review Guidelines to determine if your proposal fits the merit review or broader impacts criteria that we use to make funding decisions.

To safeguard the integrity of the development and evaluation of proposals in the merit review process, we encourage you to also view the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Systems Memo that establishes guidelines for its use by reviewers and proposers.

Beyond Phase I

Are you a Phase I awardee? Visit How to Apply for Phase II.