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One North Carolina Small Business Program
R&D / Tech · North Carolina Department of Commerce · NC
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The One North Carolina Small Business Program is a state-run grant program administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to support small businesses engaged in federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. It has two components. The Incentive component reimburses North Carolina small businesses for costs incurred while preparing a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR application. The Matching component provides grants to businesses that have already secured a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award, effectively matching a portion of that federal funding with state dollars.
For FY2026, the program note indicates roughly $200,000 available for the Incentive component and approximately $1.88 million for the Matching component, though these figures should be confirmed at the official source since program funding can change year to year. Funding is provided as reimbursement or matching grants rather than loans, meaning recipients are not expected to repay the funds, though applicants should confirm specific terms with the state.
This program matters to small business owners in North Carolina who are pursuing federal research and development funding through SBIR/STTR because it can offset the administrative and preparation costs of applying, and provide additional non-dilutive capital once a federal award is secured. It is specifically aimed at technology-oriented small businesses rather than general operating expenses. The deadline is listed only as 'check current rounds,' so interested businesses should visit the North Carolina Department of Commerce website to find current application windows, amounts, and detailed eligibility requirements before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, structured as reimbursement or matching funds, not a loan.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, this is a grant program, so funds are not repaid, though you should confirm specific terms at the official source.
Who is eligible?
North Carolina small businesses that are pursuing or have already secured a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award.
How much money can I get?
FY2026 figures note approximately $200,000 for the Incentive component and about $1.88 million for the Matching component overall, but individual award amounts should be confirmed at the official source.
What is the Incentive component for?
It reimburses costs of preparing a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I application.
What is the Matching component for?
It provides grants to businesses that have already won a federal Phase I SBIR/STTR award.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing only states 'check current rounds,' so you should confirm the current deadline at the official source.
Where do I apply?
You can apply through the North Carolina Department of Commerce's official program page.
Is this a state or federal program?
It is a state program run by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, tied to the federal SBIR/STTR program.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the source.
Can businesses outside North Carolina apply?
No, eligibility is limited to North Carolina small businesses.
What category of funding is this?
It falls under research and development/technology funding (rd-tech).
Do I need a federal SBIR/STTR award already to qualify?
Only for the Matching component; the Incentive component supports businesses still preparing their Phase I application.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with North Carolina Department of Commerce; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.