About this programme
The SBIR/STTR Phase 0 Assistance Program is a Louisiana-based grant, administered by the Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO) and funded by the Louisiana Legislature, that offsets some of the cost of preparing a federal SBIR or STTR application.
Phase 0 funding is meant to be spent on the work that goes into building the strongest possible application, such as customer discovery, attending a conference, or hiring a grant reviewer.
The LTTO is part of Louisiana Economic Development's innovation programs, alongside the related Federal and State Technology (FAST) Program, and also points applicants to national resources like SBIR.gov (America's Seed Fund) and SBIR/STTR Advantage Series workshops.
Who can apply
Available to qualified applicants preparing a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I or Phase II proposal, in line with general SBIR/STTR small business requirements.
How to apply
- Contact the Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO) to create a personalized plan for your Phase 0 application.
- Start the process through LTTO's Innovation Interest Form (a Cognito Forms application) to begin working with LTTO staff on proposal development.
- Apply for Phase 0 funding with LTTO's support, using the funds for proposal-strengthening costs like customer discovery, conference attendance, or hiring a grant reviewer.
Frequently asked
How much does Phase 0 provide?
Up to $3,000 to help prepare a Phase I proposal, or up to $5,000 to help prepare a Phase II proposal.
What can I spend Phase 0 funds on?
Costs that help create the best application, such as customer discovery, attending a conference, or hiring a grant reviewer.
Who runs the program?
The Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO), funded by the Louisiana Legislature.
How do I start the application process?
Submit LTTO's Innovation Interest Form online, then work with LTTO staff to build a personalized plan for your Phase 0 request and your federal SBIR/STTR proposal.
Who do I contact with questions?
Hutch McClendon, LTTO Director and Phase 0/FAST contact, at Hutch.McClendon@la.gov or 225-202-2908. For Stennis and Michoud-area inquiries, Vic Johnson at Victor.O.Johnson@nasa.gov.
More funding in Louisiana
Collateral Support Program (CSP)
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) / LEDC · Louisiana
LED posts up to $250,000 in cash collateral to help Louisiana small businesses with 100 or fewer employees qualify for a bank loan.
FUEL Proof-of-Concept Fund
Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), an NSF Regional Innovation Engine led by LSU · Louisiana
FUEL grants Louisiana clean-energy startups and researchers $100,000 to $125,000 to move a proof of concept toward market.
Louisiana Growth Fund (Venture Capital Program)
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) / LEDC · Louisiana
State direct-capital investment program for high-growth, scalable Louisiana startups ready for venture-style funding.
Louisiana Innovation Retention Grant (IRG) Program
Louisiana Economic Development (LED), established by the Louisiana Legislature · Louisiana
Louisiana matches federal SBIR/STTR Phase II awards with up to $100,000 to keep research-based startups and their jobs in the state.
Louisiana Seed Capital Program
Louisiana Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) via Louisiana Economic Development (LED) · Louisiana
State-backed co-investment capital for Louisiana early-stage startups, delivered through eight approved seed and venture funds.
Micro Lending Program
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) / LEDC · Louisiana
A state revolving loan fund offers Louisiana's very small businesses loans between $1,000 and $100,000 through partner lenders.
All 10 programmes in Louisiana →
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.