Illinois I-Corps

SBIR/STTR Technical Assistance

When it comes to actually being awarded funding, entrepreneurs are 100 to 200 times more likely to get an SBIR grant than venture money.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide qualified small businesses with opportunities to propose innovative projects that meet specific federal needs. These programs offer more than $2 billion dollars annually to support the research and development of technology by small businesses across the nation. Federal agencies set aside a portion of their extramural R&D budget to be awarded to small businesses. Researchers can receive anywhere from $150,000 to $1 million in capital to determine a technology’s feasibility and develop a prototype. It’s a good deal from the U.S. government. Not only do entrepreneurs not have to repay the money as long as they meet the terms of the funding, but they also don’t give up any ownership of the company. 

The FAST Center at EnterpriseWorks offers SBIR and STTR technical assistance and counseling for entrepreneurs in both East Central Illinois and throughout the state of Illinois.

Benefits of the Program

  • Become more familiar with SBIR funding and how to search solicitations.
  • Learn best practices for submitting a thorough application.
  • Talk with program managers for input on how to draft a budget and write an effective commercialization plan or execute an award agreement.
  • Get help navigating the various State sponsored programs set up to encourage and support SBIR submissions.

FAST Center Resources

The FAST (Federal and State Technology) Partnership Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign led by EnterpriseWorks, provides free resources, support, and expertise necessary to submit a highly competitive SBIR/STTR funding proposal. Together, we have helped companies acquire millions of dollars in federal SBIR/STTR funding–at no cost whatsoever to them.

Sign up for one on one SBIR/STTR technical assistance


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