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South Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase IIB Matching Fund
R&D / Tech · South Carolina Department of Commerce (Office of Innovation) with JEDA / 3Phase · SC
The South Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase IIB Matching Fund is a state program from the SC Department of Commerce that provides up to $100,000 as an equity investment to high-tech small businesses in South Carolina that have already won a federal SBIR or STTR Phase II award.
The South Carolina SBIR/STTR Phase IIB Matching Fund is a state-level program offered through the South Carolina Department of Commerce's Office of Innovation, in partnership with JEDA (South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority) and program manager 3Phase. It is designed to support high-tech small businesses in South Carolina — or companies willing to relocate to South Carolina — that have already received a federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) or STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) Phase II award.
Rather than issuing a cash grant, the fund provides matching capital in the form of an equity investment, up to $100,000, intended to help these companies accelerate commercialization of the technology developed under their federal SBIR/STTR award. This structure means the state is effectively taking an ownership stake in the business in exchange for the capital, rather than giving away non-repayable funds. For a small business owner in South Carolina with a technology company that has cleared the competitive federal Phase II bar, this program could provide meaningful additional capital to bridge the gap between research and market-ready product, without going to traditional lenders or venture capital immediately.
Because this is an equity investment rather than a grant in the traditional sense, business owners should carefully review the terms, including how much ownership is exchanged and what governance rights may come with it. Application rounds, current award amounts, and eligibility details should be confirmed directly at the official South Carolina Commerce source, since program terms can change year to year.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is structured as an equity investment (the state takes an ownership stake), not a loan or a traditional cash grant.
Do I have to repay the money?
There's no repayment in the loan sense, but because it's an equity investment, you give up a portion of ownership in your company instead.
Who is eligible?
High-tech small businesses in South Carolina, or businesses willing to relocate to South Carolina, that have already received a federal SBIR/STTR Phase II award.
How much funding is available?
Up to $100,000 in matching capital as an equity investment.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing says to check current rounds — there is no fixed deadline provided, so confirm at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Through the South Carolina Commerce website page linked in this listing, which directs to JEDA and 3Phase for administration.
Who administers this program?
The South Carolina Department of Commerce's Office of Innovation, with JEDA and program manager 3Phase.
Do I need a federal SBIR/STTR award first?
Yes, applicants must already hold a federal SBIR or STTR Phase II award.
Is this only for companies already located in South Carolina?
No, companies willing to relocate to South Carolina may also qualify, based on the eligibility information given.
Is the funding taxable?
This isn't specified in the source materials — confirm at the official source.
What can the funds be used for?
The funds are meant to accelerate commercialization of technology developed under the federal SBIR/STTR Phase II award.
Is there a limit on company size or industry?
The listing specifies 'high-tech' small businesses, but exact size or industry limits aren't detailed — confirm at the official source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with South Carolina Department of Commerce (Office of Innovation) with JEDA / 3Phase; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.