SBIR/STTR Match Program
SBIR/STTR Match Program supports Illinois businesses with state matches for federally funded research, helping them pursue Phase II funding, advance innovation, and commercialize technologies.
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: June 30, 2027, 5:00 p.m. (Final deadline, or until funding is exhausted)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 (Phase I) or $250,000 (Phase II); one-year grants; $6.5 million total funding
Summary: State matching grants help Illinois federal SBIR/STTR awardees advance research, pursue Phase II funding, and commercialize technologies.
Key Information: Applicants must be Illinois-based for-profit businesses with an active qualifying federal award received within the previous 12 months.
Description
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers this state-funded matching program for recipients of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. Phase I matches support businesses working toward federal Phase II applications. Phase II matches support continued innovation and progress toward successful commercialization.
The program aims to foster Illinois job creation and economic development, meet national research and development needs, stimulate high-tech innovation, and strengthen partnerships between private industry and research institutions. Originally established to support Phase I awardees, it expanded in 2025 to include Phase II matching grants. Applications are evaluated for eligibility and supporting evidence rather than competitive merit.
