Small Business Resources: Supporting Diverse Entrepreneurs

Tips for Women-Owned and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Small Businesses

Through its SBIR/STTR programs, NCATS supports both women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs and researchers from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Businesses can self-certify during the application process if they meet the criteria for one or both of the categories below.

Certification information is encouraged but not required. It is used for federal tracking purposes only to help NCATS and other NIH institutes and centers gain a better understanding of applicant demographics during specific funding opportunity cycles.

What Is a Women-Owned Small Business?

• A women-owned business must be a minimum of 51% owned and controlled by one or more women and primarily managed by one or more women who are U.S. citizens.
• A business is classified “small” in its primary industry in accordance with the Small Business Administration (SBA) for that industry.

What Is a Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Small Business?

• A socially and economically disadvantaged business must be a minimum of 51% owned and controlled by one or more disadvantaged people.
• The disadvantaged person or people must be both socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged.
• The business is classified “small” in its primary industry in accordance with the SBA size standards for that industry.
• Applicants must self-certify by registering in the System for Award Management.

Diversity Supplement

• NCATS Small Businesses awardees can request additional funds through an administrative supplement (PA-24-255) to enhance the diversity of the research and entrepreneurial workforce. This administrative supplement program is designed to provide support for research and entrepreneurial experiences for individuals from diverse backgrounds throughout the continuum from the undergraduate to the faculty level.