Arkansas SBIR Matching Grant

This grant program was created to leverage the federal SBIR program and stimulate innovation and growth among the state’s technology businesses resulting in the creation and retention of high-tech jobs. Applicants to this program must have been awarded a federal SBIR award to be eligible. These discretionary grants may provide matching grants of up to fifty percent (50%) of the amount of federal Phase I and Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for Phase I awards and $100,000 for Phase II awards. Disbursements of matching grant funds shall be made on a reimbursable basis, payable when invoices and financial reports are submitted to the Division. The objectives of the SBIR Matching Grant Program are to: -Create and retain high-tech jobs, especially high-wage jobs in middle-skill and high-skill occupation. -Encourage innovative small businesses to engage in federally-funded research that has the potential for technological innovation and commercialization. -Increase the amount of SBIR funds invested in Arkansas businesses. -Induce the retention, growth, and location of companies in Arkansas.