Small Business Funding
Our SBIR and STTR programs provide technical assistance and funding opportunities to help small business and research organizations advance technologies and research concepts that can eventually be commercialized to improve health.
About Small Business Funding
There are two primary SBIR and STTR funding mechanisms: grants and contracts. We also support other programs that work with small businesses to advance technology products. View all small business funding opportunities from NCATS.
SBIR & STTR Grants
Omnibus Solicitation
Applications due: Jan. 5, April 5 and Sept. 5
The annual SBIR/STTR Omnibus Solicitation encourages investigator-initiated grant applications across a broad range of research areas. Eligible U.S. small businesses should have the capabilities and technological expertise to contribute to the research and development missions of the awarding NIH institute or center. Small businesses interested in NCATS funding should review our research priorities prior to applying. The typical award date is six to nine months after the submission of a successful application.
Targeted Grant Funding Announcements
Applications due: Varies
Throughout the year, NCATS may release funding opportunities or participate in other NIH grant funding announcements to advance technologies in a targeted area.
Support Programs
Varying support programs (i.e., administrative supplement awards) are offered to active SBIR/STTR awardees, all of which have varying application periods and deadlines. For NCATS participation in a program or supplement, please contact your program officer or refer to the active funding announcement.
SBIR & STTR Contracts
Applications due: Typically in the fall
We accept applications for SBIR contract funding once each year. Contract topics cover a wide range of technology development areas to help successfully finance and advance innovations toward commercialization. Applicants should review the contract topic areas above and submit a proposal related to one of those topics. A listing of NCATS Contract topics and an overview of the SBIR Contract mechanism can be found at the NIH SEED’s SBIR Contract website. Applicants are encouraged to contact the NCATS SBIR & STTR team for more information about our contract topics of interest.
Additional Resources for Small Businesses
NCATS SBIR and STTR awardees may be eligible for support beyond funding, including access to small business resources.
See our resources: