SBIR/STTR Match Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for small businesses that have already received federal SBIR or STTR awards. Applicants must be Illinois-based companies with a federal SBIR or STTR grant in hand. The state match funds support R&D and commercialization expenses for high-tech innovations identified in the federal award. Geographic scope is limited to Illinois businesses.
This grant is for small businesses that have already received federal SBIR or STTR awards. Applicants must be Illinois-based companies with a federal SBIR or STTR grant in hand. The state match funds support R&D and commercialization expenses for high-tech innovations identified in the federal award. Geographic scope is limited to Illinois businesses.
Program description
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are competitive federal grant programs that provide funding opportunities for small businesses to perform research and development (R&D) on technology of interest to federal agencies. Both projects provide funding to explore the potential of high-tech products and encourage commercialization of those products.
This program would provide a state match to companies that have received awards through the SBIR and STTR grant programs. SBIR and STTR grants are rewarded to companies that have identified a high tech innovation that may have commercial potential. The goal of this state matching program is to increase the amount of viable, innovative products developed at Illinois small businesses. Additional grant funds at the crucial early period during development of these products will provide more “runway” for small, innovative businesses in Illinois to get their products to market. Funds may be used for expenditures to perform research and development and other expenses related to commercialization of the products for which the company has received a federal SBIR or STTR grant. Beneficiaries: N/A Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 420-35-2382).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for small businesses that have already received federal SBIR or STTR awards. Applicants must be Illinois-based companies with a federal SBIR or STTR grant in hand. The state match funds support R&D and commercialization expenses for high-tech innovations identified in the federal award. Geographic scope is limited to Illinois businesses.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proof of active federal SBIR or STTR award
- Project narrative linking state match to federal grant
- Budget and budget narrative for state funds
- Company financial statements or proof of viability
Program contact
- 👤 Jamie Gladfelter
- 📧 jamie.gladfelter@illinois.gov
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Illinois state appropriations. How funding has trended year over year.
| 2020 | $1,500,000 | |
| 2022 | $1 | |
| 2023 | $5,000,000 | |
| 2024 | $1 | |
| 2026 | $6,500,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only Illinois small businesses that have received a federal SBIR or STTR award. You must already have the federal grant before applying for the state match.
What can the funds be used for?
R&D expenditures and commercialization expenses related to the product covered by your federal SBIR or STTR grant.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, this program does not require cost-sharing from your company.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $1 to $250,000, depending on your project needs.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 30, 2026. Check with Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for any updates or rolling deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your federal SBIR/STTR award is active and eligible before applying for state match funds.
- Clearly link all proposed R&D and commercialization expenses to your federal grant scope.
- Provide a realistic commercialization timeline showing how state funds accelerate product-to-market progress.
- Document how additional state funding bridges critical gaps in your federal award budget.
- Emphasize job creation and economic impact potential for Illinois when describing your innovation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants apply without an active federal SBIR/STTR award or misalign state funding request with federal grant scope. Vague commercialization plans that don't show clear market path or customer demand. Inadequate documentation of how state match complements and extends federal R&D budget.
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