Montana SBIR-STTR Matching Funds Program

The Montana SBIR STTR Matching Funds Program is administered by the Montana Department of Commerce to support economic development and job creation within the state. The program is designed to complement the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs by providing state-level matching funds to Montana-based companies that have already secured a federal Phase I award. These federal programs are structured to support early-stage research and development, with Phase I focused on feasibility and Phase II focused on expanding results into commercially viable innovations. The state program aligns with this structure and is intended to help companies successfully transition between these phases. The primary objective of the program is to strengthen Montana’s innovation economy by ensuring that promising small businesses have the financial support necessary to continue development after initial feasibility research. By offering matching funds, the program reduces financial barriers associated with preparing and submitting a Phase II proposal and further developing technologies. The Montana Department of Commerce retains full discretion in awarding funds, and applications are evaluated for compliance with program guidelines and completeness of submission. Funding is structured in two stages, with a total possible award of sixty thousand dollars per company per fiscal year. Stage 1 funding is awarded after approval of the initial application and is intended to support completion of Phase I activities and preparation for Phase II submission. Stage 2 funding is only available to recipients of Stage 1 funding and is distributed in two disbursements contingent on approval of the Stage 2 application and final reporting. Funds may be used for costs such as salaries, travel, equipment, contracted services, and other expenses directly tied to completing the federal project and advancing commercialization efforts. Eligibility is limited to for profit businesses that are legally registered in Montana and have their principal place of business within the state. Applicants must have already received a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I award and must demonstrate intent to apply for Phase II funding where applicable. Additional requirements include certification that at least fifty one percent of Phase II research will be conducted in Montana and that the company will remain based in the state for the duration of the project. Applicants must also confirm that they are not receiving duplicative matching funds from other state programs. The application process requires submission through the state funding portal and includes detailed documentation such as proof of federal award, business registration, project timelines, and a comprehensive budget with justification. Stage 2 applications must additionally include evidence of successful completion of Phase I, submission of a Phase II proposal, and supporting documentation such as final reports and agency confirmations. Applications must be complete and compliant with all requirements, and the Department may request additional materials with a strict response timeline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are exhausted each fiscal year. Stage 1 applications must be submitted within one hundred eighty days of the federal Phase I start date, while Stage 2 applications must generally be submitted within ninety days after the end of the Phase I project. Awards are made on a first come, first served basis, subject to funding availability. Contact information for program administration is provided through the Montana Department of Commerce, along with technical assistance support from the Montana Innovation Partnership.