Which States Offer SBIR Phase 0 Support?

What is Phase 0 and Why Does It Matter?

If you’re preparing to apply for an SBIR or STTR award, you may have encountered the term “Phase 0.” While not an official phase of the federal SBIR/STTR program, “Phase 0” is widely used to describe the pre-application support that helps small businesses prepare strong, competitive proposals. These programs—offered by both federal agencies and states—can include services like proposal writing assistance, market research, reviewer feedback, and even limited funding to cover preparation costs.

For many small businesses, especially first-time applicants, this support can mean the difference between a rushed, unfocused submission and a polished proposal that meets agency expectations. Phase 0 is not a substitute for doing the work—it’s a set of tools to help you do that work smarter. Whether you’re navigating SBIR registrations for the first time or seeking expert input on your technical narrative, the right Phase 0 program can shorten your learning curve and boost your odds of success.

Let’s take a closer look at the major federal Phase 0 options and explore which states offer similar (or stronger) support.

Federal Agency Phase 0 Programs

Some federal agencies go beyond publishing solicitations—they also offer structured Phase 0 assistance to help businesses prepare for their first SBIR or STTR proposal. These initiatives are not funding mechanisms; rather, they provide no-cost support services such as proposal reviews, registration guidance, and mentoring.

Department of Energy (DOE)

The DOE’s Phase 0 Assistance Program offers comprehensive, hands-on support for businesses new to the agency’s SBIR/STTR process. Services include help with registrations (SAM, Grants.gov), market research, budget planning, and even one-on-one proposal coaching. This program is administered by Dawnbreaker and is available in two cycles each year.

• Eligibility: Only first-time DOE SBIR/STTR applicants who have never submitted a Phase I proposal to the agency and have not previously used DOE Phase 0 resources.
• Key Feature: In-depth proposal preparation help tailored to DOE’s expectations, including review of LOIs and full applications.
• Application: Intake assessments are required and space is limited. Early sign-up is advised.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

DHS offers a public-facing Phase 0 program with a strong focus on education and awareness. Resources include live and recorded webinars, proposal strategy sessions, and annual symposia like “SBIR P0WER.” Unlike DOE, there is no formal selection process or limitation on prior SBIR experience.

• Eligibility: Open to all interested applicants, including those with previous DHS submissions.
• Key Feature: Broad access and flexibility—no cost, no application, and available year-round.
• Application: No formal application; content is available on the DHS SBIR website.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

NIH’s Applicant Assistance Program (AAP) functions as a Phase 0 for life sciences innovators. This competitive, cohort-based program matches selected participants with experienced mentors for 10 weeks of proposal coaching, draft reviews, and commercialization strategy development.

• Eligibility: First-time NIH applicants with no prior SBIR/STTR awards. Special consideration is given to applicants from underrepresented groups and regions.
• Key Feature: Highly personalized, mentor-guided development of NIH-specific proposal components.
• Application: Available a few times per year. Selection is competitive and slots are limited.

Federal Phase 0 Program Comparison

State-Sponsored Phase 0 Support Programs

Across the U.S., many states offer their own form of Phase 0 support designed to help small businesses compete more effectively for SBIR and STTR funding. Unlike federal programs, which often focus on one agency’s process, state offerings are typically agency-agnostic and open to applicants targeting any SBIR agency.

Support structures vary widely, but generally fall into three categories:

• Micro-grants or reimbursements – These programs cover out-of-pocket costs for proposal development, such as hiring a grant writer or conducting market research.
• Technical assistance and mentoring – Provided through state economic development offices, SBDCs, or university tech transfer programs, these services include proposal reviews, budgeting help, and commercialization planning.
• Cohort-based training programs – Some states offer structured, multi-week accelerators that guide participants through every step of preparing an SBIR application.

While eligibility and application methods differ, most state programs give preference to first-time applicants and underrepresented businesses—including those located in rural or EPSCoR-eligible regions. Some also encourage or require coordination with local universities or incubators.

It’s important to note that these offerings are often limited by state budgets and may operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage early—ideally months ahead of their SBIR submission deadline.

State Profiles: Western U.S.

California

California lacks a centralized, statewide Phase 0 grant program. Instead, resources are distributed regionally. Small businesses can access proposal development support through SBDCs (like the Tech Futures Group), local university incubators, and innovation hubs such as NASA Ames Research Center and AUTM San Diego. These services typically include SBIR workshops and one-on-one advising, but not direct funding.

• Support Type: Regional consulting and training
• Eligibility: Varies by region and provider
• Funding: None at the state level
• Application: Contact local partners; services are often free

Colorado

Colorado provides targeted Phase 0 micro-grants of up to $1,000 through its SBDC TechSource program. The grants are available to women-, minority-, or rural-owned tech firms to help cover professional services like proposal writing or budgeting. These are complemented by advisory services from local SBDC consultants and the Advanced Industries Accelerator.

• Support Type: Micro-grants and consulting
• Eligibility: Colorado small businesses that are rural-, women-, or minority-owned
• Funding: Up to $1,000
• Application: Rolling; first-come, first-served

Hawaii

The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) offers a Phase 0 grant that reimburses up to $3,000 in proposal preparation costs, such as hiring a grant writer. To qualify, businesses must be Hawaii-based and relatively new to SBIR (no more than three prior submissions). HTDC also provides generous Phase I and II matching funds.

• Support Type: Grant writer reimbursement + post-award matches
• Eligibility: Hawaii small businesses with <3 prior SBIR submissions
• Funding: Up to $3,000
• Application: Rolling; administered through HTDC

Alaska

While Alaska lacks a dedicated Phase 0 grant, it offers structured proposal guidance via the Alaska SBDC and the University of Alaska’s Center ICE. The state also leverages EPSCoR travel grants to connect researchers with SBIR program managers. The SBIR Accelerator provides training in proposal strategy and commercialization planning.

• Support Type: Training and advising
• Eligibility: Alaska-based tech firms
• Funding: No direct Phase 0 funding
• Application: Through the SBDC or Center ICE

State Profiles: Southwest U.S.

Arizona

Arizona offers robust SBIR support through the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), which provides workshops, webinars, and personalized consulting. While there’s no formal Phase 0 micro-grant program, the ACA helps connect small businesses with expert proposal writers and training resources. Arizona also runs the Arizona Innovation Challenge, which awards up to $150,000 in non-SBIR funding to support tech development.

• Support Type: Training, consulting, and indirect funding opportunities
• Eligibility: Arizona tech businesses, especially early-stage firms
• Funding: None specific to SBIR proposal costs
• Application: SBIR support is ongoing; Innovation Challenge has annual calls

New Mexico

New Mexico supports SBIR applicants primarily through Technology Ventures Corporation (TVC), which provides proposal coaching, market research help, and commercialization strategy support. The state has historically funded SBIR matching grants and commercialization awards, though availability may vary year to year. Universities such as UNM and NMSU also offer SBIR workshops.

• Support Type: Advisory and proposal development support
• Eligibility: New Mexico-based tech firms
• Funding: Typically advisory only; matching grants are periodic
• Application: Direct contact with TVC or university partners

State Profiles: Midwest U.S.

Illinois

Illinois does not offer a formal Phase 0 grant but has strong institutional support through university networks and MEP centers. The Illinois FAST Center coordinates proposal development resources, and local SBDCs offer SBIR training events. Entities like mHUB and TechNexus in Chicago frequently host SBIR info sessions and pitch practice events.

• Support Type: Proposal workshops and reviews
• Eligibility: Illinois small businesses, especially tech startups
• Funding: None direct; services in-kind
• Application: Through FAST program contacts or SBDCs

Iowa

Iowa’s BioConnect SBIR Outreach Program provides 100% reimbursement for approved SBIR proposal preparation services. Companies submit a refundable deposit and are paired with vetted consultants. Additionally, Iowa offers matching funds of $25,000 for Phase I awardees and another $25,000 upon Phase II submission.

• Support Type: Proposal vouchers + matching funds
• Eligibility: Iowa small businesses working with approved vendors
• Funding: Full proposal support + up to $50,000 in matches
• Application: Application to BioConnect; selection based on project fit

Indiana

Indiana offers technical support via partnerships with Purdue University and Elevate Ventures. While there is no dedicated Phase 0 grant, Elevate occasionally funds early-stage R&D projects. Purdue Foundry provides proposal editing and strategy assistance, especially for startups near West Lafayette.

• Support Type: Proposal advising
• Eligibility: Indiana-based tech firms, often university-affiliated
• Funding: Ad hoc only
• Application: Engage Purdue Foundry, Elevate Ventures, or Indiana SBDC

Ohio

Ohio operates one of the most structured Phase 0 programs in the region, offering pre-proposal grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. These funds can be used for proposal development, market research, or hiring consultants. The Ohio Development Services Agency coordinates support through its Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF).

• Support Type: Competitive Phase 0 micro-grants
• Eligibility: Ohio small businesses preparing SBIR/STTR proposals
• Funding: Up to $10,000
• Application: Competitive calls; businesses must apply with a defined plan

State Profiles: Southern U.S.

Georgia

Georgia’s Phase 0 micro-grant program is managed through the University of Georgia’s Innovation Gateway and funded via a FAST grant. Eligible companies can receive up to $2,450 to hire professional consultants for SBIR/STTR proposal development. Additional support is provided through Georgia Tech’s ATDC, which offers training and mentoring to member startups.

• Support Type: Phase 0 micro-grants + technical guidance
• Eligibility: Georgia-based firms preparing an SBIR/STTR proposal
• Funding: Up to $2,450
• Application: Rolling basis; apply through UGA’s Innovation Gateway

Florida

Florida lacks a centralized Phase 0 grant but offers extensive proposal support through SBDCs and university programs. The Florida High Tech Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program can support R&D related to SBIR goals. Universities like UCF and USF offer SBIR-specific coaching through programs like USF CONNECT.

• Support Type: Advisory and university-linked support
• Eligibility: Florida-based R&D firms
• Funding: No direct Phase 0 grant; research matching funds may apply
• Application: Engage SBDCs or university innovation hubs

Texas

Texas does not currently offer a statewide Phase 0 grant, but applicants can access support through regional organizations like the Texas Foundation for Innovative Communities and university commercialization offices. These groups provide training, proposal reviews, and topic alignment assistance.

• Support Type: SBIR/STTR education and proposal advising
• Eligibility: Texas small businesses seeking SBIR funding
• Funding: No direct grants
• Application: Contact local tech transfer or economic development groups

State Profiles: Northeastern U.S.

Connecticut

Connecticut offers in-kind SBIR/STTR support through Connecticut Innovations (CI). This includes proposal consultations, expert reviews, and selective reimbursement of strategic expenses like attending federal SBIR conferences. CI also provides commercialization assistance for businesses aligned with state technology priorities.

• Support Type: Free proposal support + selective reimbursements
• Eligibility: Connecticut-registered small businesses
• Funding: No formal grants; in-kind services and reimbursements
• Application: Direct contact with CI SBIR program staff

Delaware

Delaware’s SBIResource program, operated by the Delaware SBDC, covers up to $50,000 annually in SBIR consulting services. Rather than distributing funds to companies, the SBDC pays pre-approved consultants to support clients. Delaware also offers a Bridge Grant to help Phase I awardees transition to Phase II.

• Support Type: Consultant support pool + Phase I Bridge Grants
• Eligibility: Delaware-based businesses pursuing SBIR/STTR
• Funding: Service access + post-award bridge funding
• Application: Through the SBDC; no public-facing application required

Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers several options via MassVentures and the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC). The START program provides Phase II follow-on funding, while MTTC focuses on proposal development and commercialization strategy. These programs are well-funded and highly competitive.

• Support Type: Advanced training, coaching, and matching grants
• Eligibility: MA tech firms, particularly Phase II-ready companies
• Funding: Substantial (START: up to $500,000 over three years)
• Application: Competitive, cohort-based programs

New York

Empire State Development (ESD) supports SBIR applicants through its Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR). Programs include proposal reviews, commercialization support, and occasional pre-proposal grants managed through university-affiliated innovation centers.

• Support Type: Technical support + limited micro-grants
• Eligibility: NY-based tech firms connected to NYSTAR centers
• Funding: Varies by region; micro-grants up to ~$5,000
• Application: Through designated NYSTAR-affiliated centers

State Profiles: Mid-Atlantic U.S.

Maryland

Maryland’s TEDCO Phase 0 program offers both technical assistance and financial support for companies applying to SBIR/STTR. Businesses can access professional consultants for proposal development and receive small grants to help cover costs like grant writing or legal budgeting assistance.

• Support Type: Micro-grants + technical advising
• Eligibility: Maryland-based small businesses preparing a proposal
• Funding: Typically $2,000–$5,000
• Application: Through TEDCO; competitive with rolling deadlines

District of Columbia (D.C.)

The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) runs a Phase 0 program aimed at helping local entrepreneurs submit high-quality SBIR/STTR proposals. Participants receive one-on-one proposal coaching, application reviews, and strategy sessions tailored to the SBIR agency they are targeting.

• Support Type: Guided proposal development
• Eligibility: Must be located in the District and meet SBIR criteria
• Funding: No direct grants; all services in-kind
• Application: Intake form on DSLBD site; operated in cohorts or rolling cycles

Virginia

Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), now operating under Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), offers multiple SBIR support mechanisms. These include proposal prep grants of up to $3,000 and post-award matching grants for companies that win federal SBIR funding. The CIT also runs proposal workshops and peer review services.

• Support Type: Grants, training, and commercialization support
• Eligibility: Virginia-based tech firms targeting SBIR/STTR
• Funding: Up to $3,000 for Phase 0; up to $100,000 post-award
• Application: Online application; reviewed by CIT program managers

States Without Dedicated Phase 0 Funding

While many states offer formal Phase 0 grants or in-kind services, several still rely primarily on advisory models. In these states, small businesses may not receive funding or consultant stipends, but they can still tap into experienced guidance through local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), university technology transfer offices, or regional innovation hubs.

Examples of Advisory-Only States

• Arkansas – Offers post-award matching grants but no Phase 0 funds. The ASBTDC provides free proposal support.
• Idaho – No structured Phase 0 program, though businesses can work with SBDC innovation advisors and university partners.
• Mississippi – Provides occasional SBIR training events through state universities but lacks a consistent Phase 0 infrastructure.
• Kentucky – Focuses on post-award matching; some support offered through the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation.
• Nevada – Limited statewide resources; most SBIR help comes from institutions like the University of Nevada or the Nevada SBDC.

Key Takeaway

In states without formal Phase 0 resources, early engagement with a local SBDC or university-affiliated innovation office is essential. While you may not receive direct funding, these groups often have extensive experience guiding SBIR applicants through the federal proposal process.

How to Choose the Right Phase 0 Program

With dozens of Phase 0 options across the country, selecting the best fit for your business can be overwhelming. Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating federal and state offerings:

1. Location-Based Eligibility

Many state programs require that your company be registered and operating in that state. If you’re eligible in multiple states (e.g., HQ in one and operations in another), verify which programs you can legally access. Some states may require a physical presence; others accept remote participation.

2. First-Time vs. Repeat Applicant Rules

Federal programs like DOE and NIH Phase 0 initiatives are limited to first-time applicants only. In contrast, many state programs allow prior applicants—or even prior awardees—to participate in their support programs. Be sure to read the fine print.

3. Level of Support Needed

Some businesses may benefit most from technical editing and review, while others need full-cycle coaching from registration to budget prep. If your team lacks grant writing experience, choose a program that includes direct one-on-one consulting or matches you with experts.

4. Financial Assistance vs. In-Kind Services

If cost is your biggest barrier, prioritize programs offering micro-grants or reimbursements (like Georgia, Hawaii, or Iowa). If you’re primarily seeking expertise or review feedback, states like Connecticut or Illinois may offer the right mix of in-kind services without grant administration.

5. Program Timing and Capacity

Many Phase 0 resources—especially those with financial benefits—have fixed application windows or limited capacity. Some operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others use competitive reviews. Apply early to secure your spot, and check whether participation limits impact eligibility for other support.

Tip:
If you’re applying to the DOE Phase 0 program, you may be ineligible to use overlapping state Phase 0 services. Always confirm before enrolling in both.

By weighing these factors, you can match your team’s needs with the right combination of strategic and financial Phase 0 support—setting the stage for a stronger, more competitive SBIR or STTR proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions