Funding opportunity: One North Carolina Small Business Program

The One North Carolina Small Business Program is comprised of two programs:

• The SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds Program
• The SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program

ELIGIBILITY: NC small businesses that have applied for or won Phase I SBIR/STTR awards between July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023

DEADLINE: June 30, 2023 or until funding expires.

As authorized by NC General Statute § 143B‑437.80 the SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds Program provides reimbursement to qualified NC businesses for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing and submitting Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposals to federal agencies. The goal of the Incentive Program is to increase the number, quality, company and technology diversity, and geographic breadth of NC applications for Federal SBIR and STTR Phase I awards.

• Qualified applicants will be reimbursed for a percentage of costs incurred during the preparation and submittal of a Federal SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal, up to twelve thousand dollars ($12,000). The maximum percentage for reimbursement is:
  • 75% for an eligible business located in a development tier 1 or 2 county, as defined by the N.C. Department of Commerce (2023 County Tier Designations),
  • 50% for an eligible business located in a Tier 3 county, as defined by the N.C. Department of Commerce.

As authorized by NC General Statute § 143B‑437.81 the SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program awards matching funds to NC businesses who have received a federal SBIR or STTR award. The goals of the Matching Program are to help NC companies bridge the funding gap period between the final Phase I payment and the first Phase II payment in the Federal Program, and increase the intensity of the research conducted under Phase I, making NC small businesses more competitive in the competition for Phase II funds.

• The match amount is 50% of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program award, not to exceed $75,000. Please note – due to funding limitations, eligible applicants are limited to those Phase I SBIR/STTR awardees that meet either of the following two conditions:
  • Are located in a Tier 1 or 2 county, as defined by the North Carolina Department of Commerce (2023 County Tier Designations), or
  • Are located in a Tier 3 county, have not previously received an award under the Match Program, and have fewer than four employees.

Eligible companies can start and submit their applications at Apply to Programs.

For additional information regarding solicitations, see Current Solicitation & Guidelines or Previous Solicitations & Awardees