SBIR Matching Grant Program

AEDC SBIR Matching Grant

Funds Arkansas firms by co-financing federal research commercialization efforts to strengthen real-world implementation.

The AEDC SBIR Matching Grant Program is administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Division of Science and Technology and provides state-level co-funding to Arkansas small businesses that have already secured a federal Small Business Innovation Research award. The program was formerly run by the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority (ASTA) and transferred to AEDC following the 2017 state reorganization. It is designed to extend the reach of federal SBIR dollars and keep high-tech R&D activity anchored in Arkansas.

Award amounts are tied directly to the applicant's federal SBIR phase: a Phase I federal award unlocks a state match of up to $50,000, while a Phase II award unlocks up to $100,000 — each representing a 50% match on the federal award amount. Eligible companies must be Arkansas-based small businesses with an active federal SBIR Phase I or Phase II award in hand at the time of application. The program targets six specific industry categories: advanced materials, agriculture, biotechnology, information technology, transportation logistics, and bio-based products. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis tied to federal SBIR award cycles.

Because the Arkansas match is contingent on a federal SBIR award, the application process is relatively streamlined for companies that have already cleared the federal competition. Companies should apply to AEDC promptly after receiving their federal notice of award, as intake is rolling but state funding is not unlimited. Biotech, agritech, and IT-focused Arkansas startups represent the strongest natural fit, given both the sector alignment and the frequency with which these fields appear in federal SBIR solicitations.