One North Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program

The One North Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program is administered by the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology and Innovation within the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The program is authorized under North Carolina General Statute 143B-437.81 and is designed to support small businesses in North Carolina that have successfully secured federal Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I awards. The program functions as a state-level matching grant intended to strengthen innovation capacity and commercialization potential among small businesses operating within the state. The primary purpose of the program is to provide supplemental funding that helps bridge the financial gap between the conclusion of federally funded Phase I research and the potential initiation of Phase II funding. By offering matching funds, the program enhances the ability of small businesses to expand research activities, increase technical development, and improve competitiveness for subsequent federal funding opportunities. This support plays a critical role in advancing early-stage technologies toward commercialization. Funding under this program is structured as a matching award tied directly to the federal SBIR or STTR Phase I award. Eligible applicants may receive up to 50 percent of their federal award amount, with a maximum cap of 75,000 dollars. Applicants located in counties heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for an additional 25,000 dollars. The total funding available under the current solicitation is 1,876,560 dollars, and awards are issued on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or the solicitation period ends. Eligible applicants must be North Carolina-based small businesses that have received official notification of a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I award during the defined solicitation period. Additional eligibility requirements include compliance with county tier designations and limitations on prior participation in the program. Applicants must also certify that at least 51 percent of the research activities will take place within North Carolina. The program excludes research institutions from receiving funds directly, even in collaborative STTR arrangements. Applications must be submitted electronically through the CyberGrants system and must include all required documentation, including certification forms, proof of federal award, corporate documentation, and the full Phase I proposal. The program uses a two-stage disbursement structure, with 75 percent of the award released after verification of the federal award and the remaining 25 percent contingent upon submission of a Phase II proposal and fulfillment of reporting requirements. The solicitation was released on December 15, 2025, and applications are accepted through June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Awards are reviewed on a rolling basis and approved based on completeness and compliance with program requirements. Recipients must enter into a grant agreement with the state and comply with ongoing reporting obligations, including interim and final reports. The program operates on a recurring basis and is expected to be offered annually under continued statutory authorization.

Ensure all required documentation is complete and compliant as incomplete applications are rejected and funding is awarded on a first come first served basis