About this programme
The Kansas SBIR/STTR Matching Program is a Kansas Department of Commerce initiative that supports Kansas innovators competing for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. Federal SBIR/STTR programs invest over $4 billion annually in small businesses, and Kansas has historically brought in nearly $200 million in federal research investment through these awards.
The program's purpose is to help Kansas companies use federal funding and R&D opportunities more effectively, strengthening their global competitiveness and the state's role in national and domestic security research. All-time, Kansas has recorded 610 SBIR/STTR awards worth $193.1 million across 146 Kansas-based firms, with an average award size of $316,555: 424 Phase I awards worth $51.3 million and 186 Phase II awards worth $141.8 million. The top funding agencies have been the Department of Defense (197 awards, $67.3 million) and Health & Human Services (171 awards, $66.6 million).
How it works
Phase 0 support provides up to $3,000 in proposal development funding, with a required 50% match, to pay for expert coaching, technical review and help crafting a winning federal SBIR/STTR proposal. It is disbursed on a reimbursement basis.
Phase I matching provides up to $25,000 in matching funds to companies that have already won a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I award, meant to give extra runway to refine prototypes, hire talent, and prepare for Phase II commercialization. It is disbursed on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise approved.
Funds can go toward R&D activities, prototype development, technical personnel costs, materials and supplies, equipment and instrumentation, contractual or consultant services, regulatory and compliance costs, IP and legal costs, market research and commercialization planning, travel, and indirect costs/overhead up to 15%.
Funds cannot go toward general business operations or unrelated R&D, marketing, sales or general advertising, purchase of land or real estate, repayment of existing debts, entertainment or non-project travel, or lobbying and political activities.
Recipients must submit progress and expenditure reports as required by the Kansas Department of Commerce, and any unspent funds must be returned. Commerce reserves the right to verify accuracy, reject unqualified applicants, and maintains an optional public list of pre-approved grant writers and principal investigators.
Who can apply
The applicant must be a for-profit small business headquartered in Kansas that meets all federal SBIR/STTR eligibility requirements.
At least 51% of Phase I research activities must be conducted in Kansas, and at least 51% of operations must stay within Kansas for the duration of the project. Concurrent funding that duplicates the Kansas Phase I matching funds is not allowed without Kansas Department of Commerce approval.
Phase 0 applicants must also meet Phase I eligibility requirements and must work with a grant writer or principal investigator who has demonstrated SBIR/STTR or federal grant-writing experience; funds are limited to professional services for Phase I proposal development.
Phase I applicants must have already received official notification of a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award, and must apply within the active federal Phase I project period.
How to apply
- For Phase 0: get vetted or recommended through the Kansas FAST Program, a support center, or by working directly with a qualified consultant or grant writer, since pre-vetting is required.
- Assemble the application form, documentation of Kansas business registration and headquarters location, and federal SBIR/STTR eligibility confirmation.
- For Phase 0, also attach a contract, invoice, or letter of engagement with the consultant, grant writer or principal investigator, plus a scope of work and budget for proposal development.
- For Phase I, also attach a copy of the official federal Phase I award notification, along with the federal submission package's scope of work and budget.
- Submit through the Kansas Commerce application portal within the relevant window: Phase 0 opens on a rolling basis (October 2025 start for the most recent cycle) until funding is exhausted; Phase I runs in two rounds per cycle (the most recent were October 2025-November 7, 2025 and April 1-May 8, 2026).
Documents you’ll typically need
- Completed application form
- Documentation of Kansas business registration and headquarters location
- Federal SBIR/STTR eligibility confirmation (self-certification and/or federal application materials)
- Phase 0: contract, invoice, or letter of engagement with consultant/grant writer/PI, plus scope of work and budget
- Phase I: copy of official federal Phase I award notification, plus the federal submission package's scope of work and budget
Frequently asked
What's the difference between Phase 0 and Phase I matching?
Phase 0 gives up to $3,000 (50% match required) to help write a strong federal SBIR/STTR proposal before you have won anything. Phase I matching gives up to $25,000 to companies that have already won a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award, to help fund the work during that award period.
Do I need to already have grant-writing help lined up for Phase 0?
Yes. Phase 0 requires working with a grant writer or principal investigator who has demonstrated SBIR/STTR or federal grant-writing experience, and pre-vetting through the FAST Program, a support center, or that consultant.
How much of my operations need to stay in Kansas?
At least 51% of Phase I research activities must happen in Kansas, and at least 51% of operations must stay in Kansas for the duration of the project.
How is the money paid out?
Both Phase 0 and Phase I funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, unless Phase I disbursement is otherwise approved.
What can't I spend the money on?
General business operations or unrelated R&D, marketing or advertising, land or real estate, repayment of existing debts, entertainment or non-project travel, and lobbying or political activities.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.