West Virginia SBIR/STTR Matching Fund

The July 2026 Matching Window Has Closed. Here’s What’s Next.

If you’re a West Virginia small business with an active federal contract, the July 2026 matching window has now closed. The state opens its competitive matching applications twice a year (in January and July), so while you may have missed the most recent deadline, the next opportunity to apply is coming up in January 2027.

If you hold an open Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR award, you’ll need to wait until the January 2027 window to submit your application for this round of funding. (Finalized federal projects are ineligible for state matching funds, so early preparation is still essential.)

Mark your calendar to visit the WV SBDC website and apply as soon as the January 2027 window opens!

Key Takeaways

• West Virginia’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund provides matching funds on top of federal SBIR/STTR wins.
• The latest application window closed at the end of July 2026. The program will reopen for new applications in January 2027, so now is the perfect time to get your materials ready.
• Even if you haven't won a federal award yet, you can claim a $2,500 grant just for submitting a Phase I proposal.

Securing a federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) [SBIR/STTR link] or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) [STTR link] award is a milestone for any technology developer. Known across the industry as “America's Seed Fund,” the SBIR/STTR programs award vital capital to many promising ideas at their early stages.

Many states, such as Kentucky [link to article], provide partial or whole matching funds to help supplement awards and encourage small businesses to apply within their state. West Virginia is just such a state, offering financial incentives designed to stretch your research dollars, with matching funds up to $100,000 for Phase I and $200,000 for Phase II.

Read on to learn more!

The Phase 0 Incentive

Did you know that you don’t have to wait to win a federal contract to start receiving state-level SBIR/STTR backing?

Through the Phase 0 program, West Virginia companies can apply for an immediate $2,500 grant upon successfully submitting a Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal.

This grant is open for applications throughout the year. Phase 0 funds are intended to offset administrative, technical writing, and proposal prep costs that often deter small contractors from bidding on federal solicitations.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund Explained

Managed by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) under its Innovation-Technology (In-Tech) program, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment (EII) Fund is intended to stimulate economic development and reward successful tech commercialization/transition.

One caveat to consider is that, unlike fixed-rate programs, the specific monetary value awarded through the EII Fund is dependent upon the existing balance of the state fund at the time you apply. The EII Fund is highly competitive, so the state rarely, if ever, awards a 100% matching fund.

Another feature of the EII Fund is that it is not issued as a lump sum; 50% of the fund is issued upon award, while the other 50% is issued upon completion of the federal Phase I/II requirements.

Next Steps: How to Secure Your WV Match

If your business wants to take advantage of West Virginia’s matching funds or secure a Phase 0 proposal grant, here’s your path forward to be prepared for the next matching window:

1. Ensure your business is a for-profit entity operating legally within West Virginia, is a “small business” as defined by the SBA, and that your target federal project is currently active and open.
2. Prepare a budget justification showing exactly how the matching fund will shorten your development timeline or expand your local workforce.
3. Leverage the expertise of Vertx Partners to review your application before hitting submit.

Unsure of how to position your commercial technology for state matching funds? Vertx Partners can guide you in the right direction. Contact us today!

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