The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) is an important avenue available for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in the startup, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies, scientific products, and services. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, “the risk and expense of conducting serious R&D efforts are often beyond the means of many small businesses. By reserving a specific percentage of federal R&D funds for small business, SBIR protects the small business and enables it to compete on the same level as larger businesses. SBIR funds the critical startup and development stages and it encourages the commercialization of the technology, product, or service, which, in turn, stimulates the U.S. economy.”

When searching for funding available as part of the SBIR program, entrepreneurs should look to the federal agencies that support the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program or those that devote a portion of their research and development (R&D) funds to the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Taken together, these programs invest over $2.2 billion annually in small and entrepreneurial business activities.

For more information on the SBIR program, check out the following site:
About the Small Business Innovation Research program.

Information on the STTR grants program is available at:
About the Small Business Technology Transfer program.