About this programme
WV SPRINT is a free support program for West Virginia small businesses pursuing federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. It is provided by the U.S. Research Impact Alliance (USRIA) as the state's Federal and State Technology (FAST) program provider, in partnership with the WV Small Business Development Center's Innovation-Technology (In-Tech) program.
It does not give money directly; instead it gives founders expert mentoring, training, and hands-on help so they can compete for federal SBIR/STTR awards and later apply for the related state EII Fund matching grants.
How it works
USRIA offers funding matching (connecting a technology to the right federal agency), application guidance (registration and proposal completion support), proposal review by specialists checking compliance and clarity, and access to information on additional state funding programs.
Support includes expert mentoring from professionals familiar with SBIR/STTR funding, training sessions and workshops on proposal writing, budget planning, and agency requirements, and help forming a commercialization strategy for bringing the technology to market.
The program is free. It particularly emphasizes support for women, socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, and businesses in underrepresented areas.
Who can apply
Early-stage founders, inventors, and entrepreneurs in West Virginia pursuing federal SBIR or STTR funding for innovative technology.
How to apply
- Submit a request through the online form at https://airtable.com/appc8RCfb5jCpTzaK/pagaodecqkWvZPf1z/form.
- Alternatively, contact USRIA directly at info@usria.org.
Frequently asked
Does WV SPRINT give me money?
No. It provides free mentoring, training, and proposal support to help you win federal SBIR or STTR funding, not a direct grant.
Is there a cost to use WV SPRINT?
No, the program states "FAST is Free."
Who should apply?
Early-stage founders, inventors, and entrepreneurs in West Virginia pursuing SBIR or STTR federal funding, with particular emphasis on women, socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, and businesses in underrepresented areas.
How do I get started?
Fill out the online request form on USRIA's site, or email info@usria.org.
More funding in West Virginia
Business Accelerator Program (BAP) at the Downtown Innovation Hub
University of Charleston · West Virginia
A free accelerator for established West Virginia small businesses with over $250,000 in revenue and at least one employee.
Economic Opportunity Tax Credit (small business job-creation track)
West Virginia Department of Economic Development · West Virginia
A $3,000 tax credit per new job for five years for small West Virginia businesses creating under 10 jobs.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund: Phase 0 Award
West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), In-Tech Program · West Virginia
A $2,500 state grant for West Virginia businesses that submit a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I proposal.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund: Phase I/II Matching Award
West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC), In-Tech Program · West Virginia
State matching funds for West Virginia businesses that win a federal SBIR or STTR Phase I or II award.
FASTER WV Revolving Loan Fund
Advantage Valley, Inc. · West Virginia
Loans of $5,000 to $50,000 for startups in the Charleston-Huntington region who cannot get a bank loan.
FASTER WV Technical Assistance Grants
Advantage Valley, Inc. · West Virginia
Covers marketing, website, legal, financial and business-planning services for entrepreneurs in the Charleston-Huntington region.
All 9 programmes in West Virginia →
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.