An Overview of SBIR and STTR 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer programs provide federal research & development funding to small businesses. All federal agencies with research and development budgets greater than $100 million must participate in SBIR, and those with budgets above $1 billion must also participate in STTR, by setting aside a percentage of their budget for small businesses.

It is anticipated there will be over 4,500 awards totaling $1.9 billion in 2010.

Pursuing SBIR projects is a business strategy that requires long-term vision and a capacity to conduct research. That’s why TREND is Alaska’s resource center for entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking opportunities with the SBIR/STTR program. Assistance includes:

• Searching solicitations for research projects.
• Locating SBIR reference materials.
• Developing proposal strategies.
• Reviewing draft proposals prior to submission.
• Identifying key partners and collaborators.
• Assessing commercialization potential.
• Reviewing previously denied proposals and reviewer comments.

Understanding SBIR and STTR

We’ve gathered more details about the SBIR and STTR programs. If you’re new to pre-market government funding, it would be good to read through this entire section.

Ready? Let’s get started.