The SC Launch! SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Grant Program (the “Matching Program”) is a one (1) year only trial program designed to award matching funds to South Carolina-based companies that have been granted a Federal Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program (the “Federal SBIR/STTR Program”) Phase I award. “South Carolina-based” is defined as “a business registered and in good-standing with the South Carolina Secretary of State with its principal place of business in South Carolina and no less than fifty-one percent (51%) of its payroll (as defined in the Guidelines) located in South Carolina.”

The purpose of the Matching Grant Program is to foster job creation and economic development in South Carolina by increasing the competitive position of South Carolina small businesses in attracting SBIR and STTR grant funding, and provide an incentive for Phase I award-winning companies to participate in the more substantial Phase II program. The goals of the Matching Grant Program are to:

• Increase the number of applications for Federal research dollars submitted by South Carolina small businesses;
• Help South Carolina companies bridge the funding gap period between the final Phase I payment and the first Phase II payment in the Federal SBIR/STTR Program;
• Increase the intensity of the research conducted under Phase I, making South Carolina small businesses more competitive in the competition for Phase II funds; and
• Encourage the establishment and growth of high-quality, advanced technology firms in the State of South Carolina.

Solicitation Period: July 1, 2007 to 5:00PM Eastern Daylight Time on June 30, 2008 or until the Matching Grant Program funds for FY 2008 have been exhausted.

Maximum Grant Amount: 100% of the Federal SBIR/STTR Program Phase I award, not to exceed $100,000.

Funding Available: The maximum amount of funds available for FY08 awards under the Matching Grant Program is $1,000,000. Future year solicitations are not guaranteed and are contingent upon approval by the SC Launch! Board of Directors and the availability of SC Launch! funds for these purposes.

For Program Solicitation/Guidelines click here (PDF)

For Program Application click here (Word DOC)
(must have read solicitation/guidelines prior to filing application)

Please direct inquiries to:
SBIR@sclaunch.org