Eligibility Requirements SBIR/STTR Phase I awardees are eligible to apply for Phase II support through this FY 2025 RFA. This includes those awardees identified via a “novated” or “successor-in-interest” revised funding agreement. Each applicant must qualify as an SBC through registration with the SBA for R/R&D purposes at the time of selection (see Definitions in Appendix III of this RFA). Failure to meet an eligibility criterion by the application deadline may result in the application being excluded from consideration or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process. SBIR/STTR program eligibility requirements are in place to ensure that the funds go only to small, independent U.S. businesses. The regulations include restrictions about (1) the type of firm, (2) its ownership structure, and (3) the firm’s size in terms of the number of employees.

NIFA Support Email grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays