West Virginia’s SBIR / STTR Assistance Program
Empowering Innovative Small Businesses to Succeed
What is the SBIR / STTR Program?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) created the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to support innovative small businesses in developing their technology and charting a course toward commercialization. It is known as “America’s Seed Fund” because it is the largest pool of non-dilutive capital available in the U.S. for funding innovation. Through the SBIR/STTR program, the federal government awards $4 Billion per year and takes zero equity or IP in return.
The research and application process for SBIR grants can be overwhelming and complex, especially for first-time applicants. It is crucial to dedicate sufficient time and effort to prepare a strong application.
While your innovative technology may have great potential, effectively conveying that potential in your application requires careful attention to several key areas. In general, you can expect to dive into:
Common Challenges for First-Time SBIR Applicants
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Applicants must clearly show how their technology aligns with the specific agency's needs and priorities. This requires a thorough understanding of the agency's goals and the ability to effectively communicate the relevance of their solution.
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Every applicant must be able to demonstrate their solution is novel and new, meaning a solution like it does not currently exist. This takes some time and effort to understand what other similar solutions may already exist.
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Clearly and comprehensively illustrate your team's technical expertise, management experience, history of innovation, relevant industry experience, and academic credentials.
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To have a successful application, you should include a clear and detailed plan for commercialization. This plan should include:
A strategy for transitioning from Phase I to Phase II
A realistic analysis of the market and its potential
Identification of specific customer segments and the value proposition for each segment
Details on strategic partnerships and required resources
Free SBIR Application Support for West Virginia
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers the Federal and State Technology (FAST) partnership program to assist small businesses in successfully applying for SBIR and STTR funding.
As West Virginia's FAST provider, we support early-stage founders, inventors, and entrepreneurs in navigating the process of applying for these funding opportunities.
In collaboration with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center’s In-Tech Program, we provide free, professional support to help startups in West Virginia. Our services include mentoring, training, and technical assistance.
We help businesses develop a comprehensive understanding of federal agency requirements and preferences, provide application coaching assistance, strategically position their innovations, and create clear, compelling proposals.
How the West Virginia SBIR / STTR Assistance Program Works
Eligibility
To be eligible for West Virginia FAST assistance, you should meet the following requirements:
Your business should be registered in the state of West Virginia, and at least one founder should reside in the state.
Your company is a for-profit small business whose technology is innovative with market potential.
You need early-stage funding to further develop your technology through research and development.
Support
Through our program, we provide technical and business assistance, including:
Navigating the SBIR/STTR program and agency selection
Solicitation Guidance
Creating an effective project plan and timeline
Proposal support & development
Business coaching
Market analysis
Pitch development and access to other funding sources
Connections to additional resources to help you toward commercialization
Additional Startup Funding Support
The State of West Virginia created the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund to provide a monetary award when a business successfully submits a federal SBIR or STTR proposal and receives a Phase I or Phase II award.
These Phase I and II matching fund awards can be applied for twice during the calendar year. In addition, throughout the year a business can apply for a Phase 0 grant of $2,500 upon submitting a Phase I proposal.L
Ready to Get Federal Funding Assistance?
Apply Today and We Will Contact You With Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards from women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas - typically rural states.
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Most federal agencies recommend allowing up to six months to fully develop a proposal, with the average time being 3-6 months. However, some agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) have created a “Project Pitch” opportunity which can be completed in less than a day and allows you to simply pitch your idea and have it accepted for submitting a full proposal, or rejected with suggestions.
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The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program was initiated in 1982 to stimulate technological innovation in the U.S. by supporting the path of taking an innovative idea through development to commercialization. Several years later the STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) was added to the program to facilitate the transfer of technology developed through support of a research institution back to the small business. SBIR/STTR funds are only available to small business organizations, but many need the technology or scientific assistance of experts. The STTR program allows a larger percentage of funds to be allocated to the research organization. Of the 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR/STTR program, only 5 of those agencies also offer an STTR option.
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The following are the 11 federal agencies participating in the SBIR/STTR program, along with the total annual funding issued through the program and whether the funding is issued as a grant or a contract.
Health and Human Services (HHS) $1.2B Grants
Dept of Energy (DOE) $315M Grants
Dept of Agriculture (USDA) $42M Grants
Dept of Commerce (DOC) $15M Grants
Nat’l Science Foundation (NSF) $1.25M Grants
Dept of Defense (DOD) $2.3B Contracts
Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) $18M Contracts
Dept of Education (ED) $10M Contracts
Dept of Transportation (DOT) $9M Contracts
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) $5M Contracts
Nat’l Aeronautics & Space Agency (NASA) $1M Contracts
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Because every federal agency handles their SBIR/STTR program differently, the award cycle and receipt of funds can also vary greatly. After a proposal has been awarded, the first funds could appear after a few weeks while some agencies could take several months to distribute the funds.
USRIA’s EIR-Corps Program
USRIA’s EIR-Corps program meets startups where they are in their innovation journey. We build on a company’s existing progress with customized support tiers that maximize resources and drive their path to market success.
