SBIR: The Funding Process
Small businesses that receive awards begin a three-phase program.
- Phase I: This startup phase provides up to $100,000 for up to six months to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of an idea.
- Phase II: Provides up to $750,000 for up to two years to conduct advanced research and develop a prototype. Only Phase I award winners are considered for Phase II.
- Phase III: An idea moves from the laboratory into the marketplace. No SBIR funds support this phase. The small business must find funding in the private sector or other non-SBIR federal agency funding.