SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program

The SBIR and STTR Matching Grant Program, administered by the Oregon Business Development Department (also known as Business Oregon), provides state-funded support to small businesses that have secured federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These federal initiatives serve as pivotal drivers of technological innovation, aiming to help small businesses develop R&D capabilities that align with national priorities. To bridge commercialization gaps often left by federal funding, Business Oregon established this matching grant to amplify the impact of these federal awards in the state's innovation economy. This program offers financial assistance to Oregon-based businesses in the form of matching grants for federal Phase I, Phase II, and Fast Track SBIR/STTR awardees. Funding amounts reach up to $50,000 for Phase I recipients and up to $100,000 for those awarded under Phase II or Fast Track. These grants are not intended to duplicate federally funded activities but instead cover broader commercialization expenses such as pilot-scale production, intellectual property services, branding, market engagement, and business development efforts that are crucial for bringing technologies to market. Eligible applicants must be traded-sector businesses primarily operating in Oregon, with over half of their employees based in the state. Companies must also be in good standing with the Oregon Secretary of State and have received an eligible federal award dated on or after January 1, 2024. Sub-awardees are eligible under certain conditions, especially if they can demonstrate that intellectual property development and commercialization efforts are rooted in Oregon. Matching grant amounts for sub-awardees are prorated based on their share of the federal award. Applications are evaluated on five weighted criteria: commercialization plan and milestones (25 points), economic impact in Oregon (20 points), market opportunity and customer engagement (20 points), team and execution capacity (20 points), and leverage of resources or strategic partnerships (15 points). Strong applications clearly demonstrate how the state funding will accelerate time to market, promote job creation, and yield measurable benefits to Oregon’s tech ecosystem. Evaluations are conducted by a review committee, and awards are competitive. To apply, companies must submit a completed application form, project narrative, budget template, documentation of their federal award, and, if applicable, a disclosure exemption affidavit. Submissions must be emailed by the specified deadline with each component attached as an individual file. The application window for the current cycle closed on October 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Final responses to questions were published by October 13, 2025. Notifications of intent to award are expected in late November or early December. Once selected, grantees will enter into an official agreement with Business Oregon. Funds will not be disbursed until legal documents are executed, and the state reserves the right to modify or withdraw awards if necessary. While this round is closed, recurring grant cycles suggest future opportunities. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor the SBIR/STTR support page or subscribe to email updates.

Clearly differentiate how state funds will be used apart from federal funds; connect activities directly to commercialization; outline Oregon-specific economic impact