SBIR/STTR

Florida’s Great Northwest understands the intellectual and economic impact applied research and commercialization of new technologies contributes to an innovation economy. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program grants are only one component of innovation commercialization, but a very important component. Florida’s Great Northwest has teamed with Enterprise Florida to provide support to Northwest Florida innovators applying for Phase 1 SBIR/STTR grants through Florida’s Phase 0 program. Additionally, Florida’s Great Northwest has created a Phase 1.5 program to provide assistance aimed at generating successful SBIR/STTR Phase 2 applications.

Private companies seeking to conduct research and development are eligible to apply for federal grant funds through several government agencies. SBIR and STTR programs are administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Both help to ensure that small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government's research and development efforts. SBIR programs tend to focus on private companies while STTR programs concentrate on educational institutions. The federal grant program, which includes three phases, provides from $100,000 to $750,000 for small firms to conduct research and development.

Click here to search SBIR announcements and solicitations by agency.

Florida’s Great Northwest serves as the region’s point of contact for Enterprise Florida’s SBIR/STTR Phase 0 program and provides grant support to businesses applying for Phase 1 grants. Florida’s Great Northwest has also launched a Phase 1.5 program to provide financial assistance to businesses pursuing a Phase 2 grant. The grant awards, up to $3,000 in the Phase 0 program and up to $10,000 in the Phase 1.5 program, are available to successful applicants for use in preparation of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 grant applications.

For more information on the SBIR/STTR programs, please contact Sonya Negley, Community & Business Development Grant Manager.

Phase 0 Pilot Program

The SBIR/STTR program has a statewide focus with assistance provided at the state level. The legislature designated funds which are administered through Enterprise Florida, Inc. to help Florida companies increase their chances of submitting a successful SBIR or STTR proposal for federal research and development funds. The program provides a professional assessment of the proposed concept and includes recommendations to build a stronger proposal along with a potential financial reward of up to $3,000 to implement recommendations or assist with costs associated with preparing the proposal.

For application information please visit Enterprise Florida or download the program brochure and application. The Phase 0 application will be reviewed by Florida’s Great Northwest and a recommendation sent to Enterprise Florida.

Phase 1.5 Program

The SBIR/STTR Phase 1.5 Program is a Florida’s Great Northwest program that is intended to help companies in Northwest Florida that have completed Phase 1 research and have been invited to make application for Phase 2. SBIR/STTR funding provides access to technical expertise and supports efforts to ensure that their Phase 2 application for funding is successful.

In addition to the SBIR/STTR criteria, a company must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be located in one of the sixteen counties represented by Florida’s Great Northwest.
Successfully completes Phase 1 research and have indication that Phase 2 negotiations will begin.
Intends to respond to the Phase 2 invitation.
Has not submitted more than one application for the Phase 1.5 program in the past 12 months.

For more information, please download the Phase 1.5 Program brochure, guidelines and application.