The Utah Technology Innovation Funding (UTIF) Program is designed to support Utah-based small businesses in their efforts to secure federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. The program offers two distinct financial support mechanisms: Microgrants for Phase I applicants and Nonrecourse Loans for Phase II applicants. These initiatives aim to offset costs related to proposal development and provide gap funding to bridge the period between Phase I and Phase II federal awards.

The Microgrant Program provides up to $3,000 for qualifying Utah small businesses to assist in preparing and submitting a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal. Rural businesses can receive an additional $2,000 for a total of $5,000 to address industry barriers. Eligible businesses must be new to the SBIR/STTR programs, have not received an SBIR/STTR grant or contract within the last five years, and must not have previously worked with the Utah Innovation Center more than once. Each company is limited to one Microgrant award.

The Nonrecourse Loan Program is available to SBIR/STTR Phase I awardees preparing to submit a Phase II proposal. Businesses with a minimum Phase I award of $100,000 may apply for up to $50,000 in funding, with an additional $10,000 available for rural businesses, totaling $60,000. The funding serves as a nonrecourse loan to provide financial support before a Phase II award is secured. Each company can receive up to two Nonrecourse Loans under this program.

To be eligible for either funding option, businesses must be Utah-based, actively registered with the Utah Division of Corporations, and maintain a current System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration. Additional requirements for rural businesses include an address in a county classified as third, fourth, fifth, or sixth class, excluding Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Washington, and Weber Counties. Misrepresentation in the application process results in immediate disqualification.

Applicants must submit their UTIF application through the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity Submission Portal at least four weeks before their respective SBIR/STTR submission deadline. They are also required to work with the Utah Innovation Center throughout the proposal development process, including attending workshops, submitting drafts for review, and successfully passing administrative reviews. To claim funding, applicants must provide proof of submission and a copy of the final proposal within 90 days following the submission deadline.

The funding process includes an eligibility decision within ten business days, after which awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Recipients of nonrecourse loans must adhere to reporting requirements and repayment terms. If the supported technology achieves commercial success, the loan must be repaid in full to the state of Utah without interest within a designated time frame. If not repaid in full, a repayment period of up to five years with interest applies, unless the technology is deemed to have no viable path to commercialization. All repaid loan funds are reinvested into the UTIF program to support future applicants.

For further information or questions regarding the UTIF program, applicants may contact the Utah Innovation Center at innovationutah@utah.gov.

Microgrants are available to Utah small businesses that are new to the SBIR/STTR programs, have not received an SBIR/STTR grant or contract in the last five years, and have not worked with the Utah Innovation Center more than once on a previous submission. These grants are intended to cover the cost of preparing and submitting a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal, which can take up to 200 hours of staff time. Each company is eligible for one microgrant of $3,000, with an additional $2,000 available for rural businesses, totaling $5,000.

Nonrecourse Loans are aimed at Utah small businesses that have won a Phase I SBIR/STTR award and are preparing to submit a Phase II proposal. Eligible companies must have received a Phase I award of at least $100,000 and work with the Utah Innovation Center on their Phase II proposal. These loans provide up to $50,000 in funding, with an additional $10,000 available for rural businesses, totaling $60,000. Each company can receive up to two nonrecourse loans.

Eligibility for the UTIF program requires businesses to meet the Small Business Administration's (SBA) criteria for the SBIR/STTR programs and be registered with sbir.gov. Companies must also be based in Utah, registered with the Utah Division of Corporations, and maintain current registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Additional funding is available for businesses located in rural counties, excluding Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Washington, and Weber Counties.

Applications for UTIF must be submitted through the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity Submission Portal at least four weeks before the related SBIR/STTR submission deadline. Applicants must demonstrate that their project aligns with the priorities of the federal agency to which they are applying and has the potential to win SBIR/STTR funding. The Utah Innovation Center provides support throughout the proposal process, including reviewing drafts and offering workshops and consultations.

Funding decisions are made within ten business days of receiving a complete application, and awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Recipients must provide proof of submission and a copy of their proposal to the Utah Innovation Center within 90 days of the SBIR/STTR submission deadline. Nonrecourse loan repayment terms vary based on the commercial success of the technology, with options for repayment within five years if the technology is not commercially viable.

For more information or questions about the program, applicants can contact the Utah Innovation Center at innovationutah@utah.gov. The program is not competitive, and all eligible applicants will receive funding until resources are depleted. Interested businesses are encouraged to attend the free monthly SBIR 101 Workshop to learn more about the SBIR/STTR programs and the UTIF application process.