One NC SBP — SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds
Funds state-level co-investment support that can help early small businesses extend grant-backed research stages.
Eligibility · United States · US-NC
The One NC Small Business Program — SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds is administered by the North Carolina Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI) under the Board of Science, Technology & Innovation (BSTI) and NC Department of Commerce. The program, authorized by NC General Statute § 143B-437.81, provides state co-investment to North Carolina small businesses that have already received a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I award, bridging the funding gap between Phase I payment and the Phase II competition. The FY 2026 solicitation opened December 15, 2025, with a total pool of $1,876,560 and approximately 25 awards projected.
Awards equal 50% of the company's federal Phase I award amount, capped at $75,000 per grant. Payment is structured in two disbursements: 75% is paid at grant start, and the remaining 25% is released when the awardee submits its federal Phase II proposal. Eligible applicants are for-profit small businesses based and operating in North Carolina; nonprofits, universities, and individuals are not eligible. Companies in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties qualify automatically; Tier 3 county businesses face additional size and prior-award restrictions. Applications must be submitted within 45 days of receiving the federal Phase I award notification. The program is limited to one matching award per company per year and accepts applications through the CyberGrants Management System (SBIR and STTR portals are separate).
Since the program's inception in FY 2006, BSTI has issued 630 matching awards totaling nearly $39.8 million, and supported 525 unique NC small businesses. In FY 2025 alone, 51 awards totaling $3.69 million were made across 14 counties, with the $14.2 million in underlying federal Phase I awards demonstrating a leverage ratio above 3:1. The average FY 2025 award was approximately $72,285. To win, applicants should apply promptly after federal notification, document the exact federal award amount, and confirm their county tier standing. Applications close June 30, 2026 or when the $1,876,560 pool is exhausted.
State co-investment matching up to $75,000 for North Carolina small businesses that have received a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I award, bridging the gap to Phase II.
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