One North Carolina Small Business Program: $1.87M for SBIR/STTR Matching Grants, Apply by June 30

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is accepting FY 2026 applications for the One North Carolina Small Business Program, which supports small businesses working on research, development, and technology commercialization through the federal SBIR and STTR programs.

What It Covers

The program has two funding tracks for North Carolina small businesses involved in federal SBIR/STTR work.

• Incentive Funds: Reimburses qualified businesses for eligible costs tied to preparing and submitting a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal.
• Matching Funds: Provides state matching grants to businesses that have already received a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award.

How Much Funding Is Available

• FY 2026 Incentive grants: $200,000 available
• FY 2026 Matching grants: $1,876,560 available
• Expected awards: About 25 incentive grants and 25 matching grants

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are North Carolina small businesses pursuing eligible federal SBIR/STTR Phase I funding or businesses that have already secured a qualifying federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award. The program is aimed at early-stage technology companies developing products with commercial potential.

How to Apply

• Deadline: Applications accepted until June 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted
• Apply: One North Carolina Small Business Program page
• Application system: Applications are managed through CyberGrants from the program page.

Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce