The Nebraska Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Grant Program is a matching grant initiative designed to support Nebraska-based small businesses that have successfully secured federal SBIR or STTR funding. Administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), the program aims to foster research, innovation, and commercialization of new products and technologies within the state. By providing financial assistance, this initiative helps businesses offset costs associated with federal grant applications and supplement funding for research and development efforts.

The program offers funding across different phases of the federal SBIR/STTR process. Phase 0 grants assist Nebraska small businesses in preparing federal Phase 1 proposals by reimbursing up to $5,000 per project. Phase 1 matching grants provide up to $150,000 or 65% of the federal award, whichever is lower. Phase 2 matching grants provide up to $300,000 or 65% of the federal award, whichever is lower. In total, the program may allocate up to $4 million annually, though the actual disbursement depends on demand, budgetary constraints, and available funding.

To qualify, applicants must be for-profit small businesses that are eligible for federal SBIR/STTR funding. Additionally, they must conduct at least 51% of the proposed project activities within the state of Nebraska. The selection process evaluates applications based on scientific and technical merit, the feasibility of the proposal, the qualifications of the principal investigator and team, and the potential for commercialization or federal contracting of the proposed innovation.

Applications for the Nebraska SBIR/STTR Grant Program are accepted on a rolling basis within the state's fiscal year, from July 1st through June 30th, or until funding is depleted. The upcoming deadline for submissions is June 30, 2025.

For further assistance, interested applicants may contact Brad Kulwicki, Business Development Consultant II, at bradley.kulwicki@nebraska.gov or by phone at 402-480-9380. Additional program guidelines and application details can be accessed through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.