How We Can Help
The Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI) provides education, one-on-one assistance, and micro seed funding with the Wyoming Phase 0/00 to help teams prepare competitive Phase I/II proposals. We provide no-cost, confidential advising. Our team can assist with:
- Determining eligibility/fit for SBIR/STTR
- Identifying funding opportunities, research partners, and mentors
- Preparing a competitive Phase I/II proposal
- Connecting applicants to state and federal resources
Once you've registered as a client, schedule your first meeting with our team to discuss your innovation and receive the Phase 0/00 application packet. When you sign up for the WSSI program, you are connected to the larger Wyoming SBDC Network including the SBDC Regional Directors, the Cybersecurity Program, the APEX Accelerator, and the Market Research.
Wyoming Phase 0/00
Helping Wyoming Entrepreneurs Compete
The Wyoming Phase 0/00 Program provides up to $5,000 in early-stage support to help
Wyoming owned and operated small businesses prepare competitive proposals for federal
SBIR and STTR funding.
How funds can be used
Phase 0/00 grants cover critical pre-proposal activities, such as:
- Phase I/II proposals reviews
- Travel and communication with federal program officers
- Market research and customer discovery
- Consultant and mentor services
- Collecting or analyzing test data
Why it matters
This small investment helps Wyoming innovators secure larger federal R&D awards, bringing
new dollars into our communities, creating high-quality jobs, and diversifying Wyoming’s
economy. Unlike loans, the SBIR and STTR Phase I/II awards are non-dilutive—no repayment
required, no loss of ownership, and intellectual property stays with the business
Apply anytime
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed twice monthly. New applicants and
first-time participants are encouraged to apply.
OUTREACH & TRAINING
As part of the Wyoming SBDC Network, WSSI is committed to connecting with innovators across Wyoming and providing expert training. Here are a few of our upcoming events:
Department of War Innovation Unit
8:00 am - 10:00 am, Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center
Join us for the kickoff event of UW's Innovation Week with an introduction to the
Department of War Innovation Unit. Wyoming companies are invited to attend and learn how the OnRamp Hub: Montana helps businesses better understand defense innovation
opportunities, navigate complex processes, and identify where commercial technologies
may align with national security needs.
This program is highly valuable for those who are:
- Building commercial or dual-use technology
- Seeking new growth markets or strategic partnerships
- Interested in understanding defense innovation pathways
- Opportunities to meet 1-1 with the OnRamp Hub team - email Nick Giraldo at NGiraldo@uwyo.edu to schedule
Who Should Attend
- Companies developing commercial or dual-use technologies
- Military
- Manufacturers, technologists, and startups exploring growth opportunities
- University researchers and labs
- Service providers supporting technology and commercialization
- Investors and capital providers
- Ecosystem partners supporting innovation and economic development
See the full agenda for the day and register online at: University of Wyoming Innovation Week
About OnRamp Hub: Montana
Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Montana accelerates the integration of commercial technology into national security by providing a clear, accessible pathway for companies to engage. Through local engagement, ecosystem building, and targeted programming, OnRamp Hubs connects industry, academia, and partners to defense opportunities while helping companies navigate processes, understand requirements, and prepare for future transitions.
From Innovation to Impact: How to Compete for USDA SBIR/STTR Funding
October 7
noon- 1:00, online
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s SBIR/STTR programs fund innovative technologies. Join Wyoming SBDC Network and Impact307 for a live conversation with Dr. Erika Kraus, USDA NIFA SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator, as she shares what has changed since reauthorization, where current opportunities exist, and what it takes to develop a competitive proposal.
This webinar will cover:
- Key updates to the USDA SBIR/STTR program following reauthorization
- An overview of USDA’s SBIR/STTR proposal process, from application to award
- Common questions applicants ask, elements often missing from proposals, and what sets the strongest applications apart, so you know exactly what to focus on
- Live Q&A with our USDA speaker
Attendees will learn how federal R&D funding can help move promising research and technologies toward commercialization. If you’re building the next big idea in AgTech, this session is a chance to ask questions, gain practical insights, and better understand how to strengthen your proposal.
Register: From Innovation to Impact: How to Compete for USDA SBIR/STTR Funding
From Our Colleagues at Montana Innovation Partnership (MTIP) are offering.....
Leveraging TABA Funding for SBIR Companies with EKase Consulting
September 23
12:00 - 1:00
You've cracked the technical Problem. But turning your SBIR/STTR project into a real
product and a real business is the hard part. Ed Kase with Ekase Consulting will
discuss:
- What is TABA funding
- Overview of the new TABA terms within SBIR Reauthoriztion
- Planning for commercialization and support with TABA throughut your SBIR journey
- Core services covered by TABA
- When and how to request TABA
- Register on MTIP site: Meeting Registration - Zoom
Resources
Want to learn more about the SBIR/STTR programs and the resources available to assist your startup or venture? Here are some resources:
The applicant for an SBIR or STTR must meet the following conditions:
- Operate as a for-profit business
- U.S. owned and operated
- Less than 500 employees
- Work must be done in the United States
- Learn more about eligibility at SBIR.gov https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide_1.pdf
- SBIR allows partnering; STTR requires a non-profit research institution partner
- SBIR requires the Principal Investigator (PI) to be primarily employed (>50%) at the small business while agencies' STTR programs allows the PI to be either at the research institution or at the small business (check the agency's solicitation)
- SBIR applicants may subcontract up to 33% in Phase I and 50% in Phase II
- With STTR the small business must do a minimum of 40% of the work and the Research Institution Partner must do a minimum of 30%
- SBIR - 11 agencies participate; STTR only 5 agencies participate. List of Participating Agencies
- IP Allocation Agreement is not required for SBIR, but is required for STTR. When partnering with the University of Wyoming, please contact the Technology Transfer Office, techtransfer@uwyo.edu for IP Allocation discussions.
- Phase I R&D funding is used to create proof-of-concepts. Time Frame: 6-18 months; Award Amounts: $50,000 - more than $300,000
- Phase II - The objective of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Time Frame: 24 months; Award Amounts $400,000 - $1.8 million varies by agency
- Phase III - Small businesses pursue commercialization in the private sector and/or federal contracting market place. No SBIR/STTR funding is awarded in Phase III.
- Note: Direct to Phase II, Supplemental Phase II, FAST applications, and more variations exist; it varies across agencies.
TABA allows the federal agency to provide funding for legal/IP strategy, regulatory strategy consulting, market validation, and other activities to help the small business with commercialization. Small businesses will need to identify your own vendor and attached a letter of committment outline the work. Additionally, you will include the funding in your budget and Budget Justification. Phase I TABA funding is up to $6,500 and Phase II TABA funding is up to $50,000.
U.S. Small Business Administration provides online tutorials to help applicants learn
more about the SBIR/STTR programs. Please see the Tools section for additional resources.
https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials
- What is the Phase 0/00 applications deadline? Phase 0/00 applications can be submitted at any time. Complete applications by eligible entities are collected and reviewed the first and fifteenth of each month.
- How much is the Wyoming Phase 0/00? The Wyoming Phase 0/00 is up to $5,000 contract.
- Who is eligible for a Wyoming Phase 0/00? Open to Wyoming resident owned and operated small businesses that are headquartered in Wyoming and creating jobs in Wyoming.
- Frequently Asked Questions about the federal SBIR/STTR program - FAQ
- NOTE: SBIR/STTR Programs are up for reauthorization this federal fiscal year so program specifics may change with the reauthorization.
Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation - University of Wyoming
Great Plains I-Corps Hub - University of Wyoming
IMPACT307 - University of Wyoming
Kickstart Program - Wyoming Business Council
Manufacturing Works - Wyoming's Manufacturing Extension Partnership
SBIR Matching Program - Wyoming Business Council
Startup Wy
Technology Transfer Office - University of Wyoming
Wyoming Venture Capital (WYVC) - Wyoming Business Council
Find more resources at: WyoBizLink
Ready to innovate and grow with SBIR/STTR funding?
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.