Montgomery County businesses conducting research in biotechnology, medicine or life sciences may be eligible to receive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) matching grants to assist with their research funding and commercialization activities. Applications for grants will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
Businesses that have received SBIR/STTR Phase 1 or Phase 2 awards recently for research taking place in Montgomery County may be eligible for additional non-dilutive funding through the program to help them with technical assistance, IP costs and other research-related activities. Businesses that never have received a SBIR/STTR award may apply for Phase 0 grants to cover the cost of SBIR/STTR application support. Montgomery County’s SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program is the only County program of its kind in the nation.
Established in 2018, the County’s SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program recently was reviewed by the County Council, the County’s Executive staff and the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). This collaborative effort resulted in recommendations to enable more companies in Montgomery County to secure non-dilutive funding and advance their technologies toward commercialization.
“We know SBIR/STTR awards can be an important source of funding for our biotech startups as they move to get their technologies from the lab to patients,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These changes will help more of our younger companies secure this funding so that they can grow and stay in the County.”
The updated program includes Phase 0 grants of up to $5,000 for technical assistance to companies seeking to win their first SBIR/STTR award. It also will offer matching grants of up to $25,000 (Phase 1) or $50,000 (Phase 2) to assist companies with technical assistance, fundraising and commercialization activities.
“This program has been well liked and pursued by startups in our pipeline,” said MCEDC President and CEO Bill Tompkins. “We’re excited to partner with the County to help promote the program and connect businesses with experts that can provide technology, funding, and commercialization opportunities.”
For more information about company eligibility criteria for each grant phase and the application process, visit the Montgomery County Business Center at www.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/Business or contact the Program Manager Derese Bikila at Derese.Bikila@montgomerycountymd.gov.