Small Business Transition Grant

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) aim to support career development and the conduct of research and development under a new entrepreneur’s direction. Future NOFOs are forecasted at Grants.gov prior to opening for applications. 

Optimal Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs) for this award are early-career scientists and professionals with research, technology development, and/or healthcare delivery skills and experience, but limited entrepreneurial and independent (non-mentored) research leadership experience.

NIH is committed to diversifying the entrepreneurial workforce and encourages applications from individuals who offer unique and/or underrepresented perspectives that enrich the biomedical innovation pipeline.

• Award Types: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Phase I and Fast-Track
• Eligibility: PDs/PIs must have never been an independent PD/PI on a major research grant and must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Mentor(s): Applicants must identify mentor(s) to:
  • Provide technical and commercial guidance to advance the proposed research project
  • Support preparing and executing a career development plan to successfully navigate the entrepreneurial process, develop and commercialize products, or operate a small business
• Due Dates: September 5, January 5, and April 5 (or the next business day, if falling on a weekend or Federal holiday)

View additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs.

Note: Institutes and Centers (ICs) vary in their participation and the types of awards they support. See NOFOs for full details, including complete eligibility and review criteria.