The  Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)  programs are federal programs that provide non-dilutive seed funding to startup companies for early-stage product development. Both programs have three phases, with funding available to startups in Phases I and II.   

Each year, eleven Federal agencies, including NSF, NASA, and DoD, allocate 3% of their budget, through SBIR/STTR, to fund research activities that address a specific need of each agency. The SBIR/STTR programs are highly competitive and the application and proposal writing process can be daunting. Hiring a SBIR/STTR consultant can help you both navigate the proposal process and help you write and apply to the right agency. 

The SBIR/STTR Assistance Program is NYSTAR funded and helps eligible companies, based in New York State, hire a qualified SBIR/STTR consultant to help them develop a proposal. In the East and West regions of New York State, this program is administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement. The SBIR/STTR Assistance Program provides matching funding (usually 1:1), so awarded companies can hire a qualified SBIR/STTR consultant.