SBIR/STTR Matching Fund

A strategic initiative developed and administered by LaunchTN to advance the commercialization of technology innovation and job creation across Tennessee. The program provides matching funds to Tennessee-based companies that have already won competitive federal SBIR/STTR grants from the Small Business Administration.

Geographic Scope: Tennessee-based businesses

Key Details:

• Program Status: Active and ongoing; in its fourth year as of 2021
• Funder: Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, administered by LaunchTN
• Federal Leverage: Companies that receive matching funds have leveraged significant federal dollars; to date, matched companies brought in $146,125,214 in economic impact with a return of $11.24 for every $1 public dollar invested
• Job Creation: Awarded companies have created over 505 direct jobs (as of 2021)
• Funding Growth: Program was funded at $3 million in 2019, expanded to $7 million in 2021

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have received a competitive federal SBIR/STTR grant from the Small Business Administration
• Must be based in Tennessee
• Must commit to remaining based in Tennessee for at least 24 months following the award
• Must be a startup or small business committed to commercializing innovative technology
• Companies led by women, minorities, or veterans are encouraged

What They Fund:

• Matching funds to amplify federal SBIR/STTR grants
• Technology commercialization efforts
• Innovation and product development
• High-tech, high-wage companies across various sectors (life sciences, advanced manufacturing, automotive, agricultural technology, etc.)

What They Don't Fund:

• Businesses without federal SBIR/STTR grants
• Non-technology focused companies

Reporting Requirements:

• Companies receiving matching funds must commit to semi-annual reporting to LaunchTN and the State of Tennessee

Contact Information:

• Phone: 615.991.2809
• Email: chuck@launchtn.org or info@launchtn.org
• Address: 601 Taylor Pl #101, Nashville, TN 37208

Background: The program was first signed into law during the 2016 session, funded in 2017 and 2018, and expanded in 2019. Tennessee is one of 15 states with SBIR matching support. As of 2021, over 40 businesses were awarded grants in a single year, more than double the amount from the previous year. Historical awardees include companies like Coulometrics, E&G Associates, Frontier Diagnostics, Mobius (Grow Bioplastics), Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories, HealthChart, Immuno Technologies, PreTel, Robotic Technologies of Tennessee, VenoStent, PurSolutions, and VoluMetrix.

Application Process

1. Obtain Federal SBIR/STTR Grant: Applicants must first secure a competitive federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from the Small Business Administration
2. Contact LaunchTN: Reach out to LaunchTN after receiving federal SBIR/STTR award to inquire about matching fund availability
3. Submit Application: Application details not fully specified in available materials, but applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:
   • Federal SBIR/STTR award documentation
   • Company location in Tennessee
   • Commitment to remain in Tennessee for 24+ months
   • Details on technology commercialization efforts
4. Award Notification: Selected recipients are announced, typically annually
5. Post-Award Requirements: Once awarded, recipients must:
   • Maintain Tennessee headquarters for minimum 24 months
   • Submit semi-annual reports to LaunchTN and State of Tennessee

Contact for Application Information

• Email: chuck@launchtn.org or info@launchtn.org
• Phone: 615.991.2809
• Website: https://launchtn.org/entrepreneur-programs/sbir-sttr-matching-fund/