Business Oregon Reopens Application Support Program to Help Oregon Businesses Access Federal SBIR and STTR Grants

Business Oregon and the Oregon Innovation Council (Oregon InC) are once again accepting requests for application support grants from Oregon companies pursuing funding from the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers the SBIR and STTR programs, which provide competitive grant funding to small businesses for research, development, and commercialization of new technologies. The programs fund two primary phases:

• Phase I – feasibility research to test an idea’s potential
• Phase II – development of a commercially viable product based on Phase I results

A Fast-Track option also exists, combining both phases into a single award.

To support Oregon businesses in competing for these federal dollars, Business Oregon offers two types of application support grants:

• Phase 0 Grant – assistance in preparing an application for a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I grant
• Phase 00 Grant – assistance in preparing an application for a federal SBIR or STTR Phase II or Fast-Track grant

Applicants must be targeting an active federal solicitation to be eligible for a Business Oregon Phase 0/00 grant. The maximum award amount is $5,000.

Often called “America’s largest seed fund,” the SBIR/STTR programs provide non-dilutive funding that allows entrepreneurs to retain ownership and decision-making authority. In 2024, Oregon companies secured more than $51 million in SBIR/STTR funding across nearly 81 awards, underscoring the importance of these programs to the state’s innovation economy.

Because of the highly competitive nature of SBIR/STTR, developing a well-prepared and strategically strong application is essential. Application support funds may be used for expert grant writing and review services, accounting support, data gathering, and other resources that strengthen the federal submission.

A detailed program overview is available on Business Oregon’s SBIR Support Program webpage. Applications will remain open through June 2027, or until funding is fully allocated.

About Business Oregon
Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, invests in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. The agency’s services span rural community development and infrastructure financing; business retention, expansion and recruitment; export promotion and international trade; investments in industry research and development and entrepreneurship; small business assistance; and support for arts and cultural organizations. Learn more at biz.oregon.gov.