Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase II
🏛 National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 8, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for small businesses that received SBIR or STTR Phase I funding and are now applying for Phase II. Only Phase I recipients can apply.
Applicants must be for-profit business concerns registered with the Small Business Administration. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible. The small business must meet SBA size standards for its industry.
The business must be independently owned and operated. Majority ownership must be by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. STTR applicants must partner with a research institution like a university or federal lab.
Geographic scope is national. Any small business meeting SBA requirements can apply, regardless of location.
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Program description
The USDA SBIR/STTR programs, Assistance Listing number 10.212, support scientific excellence and technological innovation through investment of Federal research funds to build a strong national economy by stimulating technological innovation in the private sector; strengthening the role of small business in meeting Federal research and development needs; and increasing the commercial application of Federally supported research results. Further, the objective of the STTR program is to stimulate formal cooperative partnerships of ideas and technologies between small businesses and partnering research institutions (e.g., Universities and Federal laboratories).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- SBA Small Business Concern registration documentation
- Evidence of Phase I award and progress
- Research partnership agreement (STTR only)
- Commercialization plan
Program contact
- 👤 Yamilis Ocasio Grantor
- 📧 grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov
- 📞 6892630095
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 10.212 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$999,999
-
$999,905
-
$650,000
-
$650,000
-
$650,000
-
$650,000
-
$650,000
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$650,000
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Ecoatex, Llc GA$650,000
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$650,000
Top States by Funding
- CA 14 awards $9.4M
- IA 6 awards $3.9M
- FL 6 awards $3.9M
- KY 6 awards $3.9M
- CO 5 awards $3.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.212). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $40,178,745 | |
| 2025 | $21,230,562 |
FAQ
Who can apply for Phase II?
Only organizations that received Phase I SBIR or STTR funding. New applicants cannot apply directly to Phase II.
Are nonprofits eligible?
No. This program is limited to for-profit business concerns registered with the SBA.
What if my company is a partnership or LLC?
Your business must meet SBA definitions of a for-profit business concern. Check 13 CFR 121.105 for specific requirements about ownership and structure.
Does the business need to be located in a specific state?
No. The program is open to eligible small businesses nationwide.
What is the typical award amount?
Phase II awards typically range from $600,000 to $650,000 for qualified applicants.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Only apply if you were a Phase I recipient. Phase II is a continuation program, not an entry point.
- Ensure your company maintains SBA small business certification throughout the application and selection process. Status at selection time matters.
- For STTR applicants, establish your research partnership early and clearly document the collaboration in your proposal.
- Show clear progress from Phase I results toward commercial viability. Phase II reviewers expect stronger technical and business development.
- Have all ownership documentation ready to prove U.S. majority ownership and independent operation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without Phase I funding. This program is for Phase I recipients only; new companies cannot apply directly.
Weak commercialization plan. Phase II requires credible evidence that your Phase I work can become a marketable product or service.
Unclear research partnerships for STTR. STTR requires formal collaborative relationships that must be detailed in your proposal.
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