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Nebraska SBIR/STTR Grant Program
R&D / Tech · Nebraska Department of Economic Development · NE
The Nebraska SBIR/STTR Grant Program is a state matching grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development that helps Nebraska technology small businesses supplement their federal SBIR or STTR research awards, with amounts up to $300,000 depending on the phase.
The Nebraska SBIR/STTR Grant Program is a state-run matching grant offered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to support technology firms that have already received or are pursuing federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. Rather than replacing federal money, this program supplements it — providing state matching cash grants that help Nebraska businesses stretch their federal awards further and continue developing and commercializing new technologies.
The program is structured in three phases that mirror the federal SBIR/STTR stages: Phase 0, offering up to $5,000 to help firms prepare competitive federal proposals; Phase 1, offering up to $150,000; and Phase 2, offering up to $300,000. Each state award is capped at 65% of the corresponding federal award amount, meaning the state grant size depends directly on what a business has already secured federally.
This program matters to small-business owners in Nebraska's tech and research sectors because federal SBIR/STTR awards often don't cover the full cost of research, development, and commercialization. State matching funds can close that gap, reducing the financial burden on a small business trying to scale innovative products or services.
To qualify, a business must be a for-profit Nebraska small business eligible for federal SBIR/STTR funding, and at least 51% of the proposed project activities must occur within Nebraska. Because deadlines and award details can change between funding rounds, applicants should confirm current amounts, open application windows, and eligibility requirements directly on the official Nebraska Department of Economic Development website before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a matching cash grant, not a loan.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, based on the given facts this is a grant, not a repayable loan.
Who is eligible?
For-profit Nebraska small businesses that qualify for federal SBIR/STTR funding and perform at least 51% of proposed activities in Nebraska.
How much can I receive?
Up to $5,000 for Phase 0, up to $150,000 for Phase 1, and up to $300,000 for Phase 2, each capped at 65% of the federal award.
What is the deadline?
Confirm current rounds and deadlines at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Apply through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development at https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/business/sbir-sttr/.
Is this program only for Nebraska businesses?
Yes, eligible businesses must be located in Nebraska and perform at least 51% of activities there.
Do I need a federal SBIR/STTR award first?
You need to qualify for or be pursuing federal SBIR/STTR funding, as the state grant matches federal awards.
Is the award taxable?
Confirm at the official source; this is not specified in the given facts.
Who runs this program?
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers it.
What type of businesses does this support?
Technology firms working on research, development, and commercialization projects eligible for federal SBIR/STTR funding.
Can I get funding for all three phases?
The program offers separate matching grants for Phase 0, Phase 1, and Phase 2, mirroring the federal stages.
Is there a cap on the state match?
Yes, each phase's state grant is capped at 65% of the corresponding federal award.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Nebraska Department of Economic Development; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.