A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awardee must meet the following criteria at the time of Phase I and II awards:
- An organized for-profit with a place of business located in the United States.
- More than 50 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States, or by another for-profit business concern that is more than 50 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in the United States.
- No more than 500 employees, including affiliates.
- For awards from agencies using the authority under 15 U.S.C. 638(dd)(1), an awardee may be owned and controlled by more than one VC, hedge fund, or private equity firm so long as no one such firm owns a majority of the stock.
- Phase I awardees with Multiple prior awards must meet the benchmark requirements for progress toward commercialization.
Small Business Technology Transfer Eligibility
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) eligible small businesses must meet all of the following criteria at the time of the award:
- An organized for-profit, with a place of business located in the United States.
- At least 51 percent are owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States.
- No more than 500 employees, including affiliates.
The nonprofit research institution must also meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Located in the US
- Meet one of three definitions:
- Nonprofit college or university
- Domestic nonprofit research organization
- Federally funded R&D center (FFRDC)
For more detailed information, visit sbir.gov.