CO SBIR
Colorado
Description
The Colorado SBIR/STTR State Matching Program enhances federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards with additional state funding. Part of Colorado's Advanced Industries Accelerator ecosystem, this program extends runway for Phase I and Phase II awardees, supporting technology commercialization across Colorado's seven advanced industries: aerospace, advanced manufacturing, bioscience, electronics, energy/natural resources, infrastructure engineering, and technology/information.
For ZHC builders who have secured or are pursuing federal SBIR/STTR funding, Colorado provides additional non-dilutive capital to accelerate commercialization. The state's Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) administers multiple programs including Early-Stage Capital grants up to $250K, Proof of Concept grants to $150K, and tax credits up to 35% in rural Enterprise Zones.
Eligibility
Federal SBIR/STTR Requirements
- Active Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR award
- Colorado business entity or willingness to establish operations
- Technology focus aligned with seven advanced industries
- Job creation commitment (varies by program)
Colorado's Seven Advanced Industries
- Aerospace
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Bioscience
- Electronics
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Infrastructure Engineering
- Technology and Information
Additional State Programs Available
Early-Stage Capital & Retention Grants
- Up to $250,000 for commercialization
- Technologies created/manufactured in Colorado
- Proof of market demand required
Proof of Concept Grants
- Up to $150,000 for research institutions
- Partnership with private sector
- Speeds applied research to market
Advanced Industry Investment Tax Credit
- 25% state income tax credit (standard)
- 35% credit for rural/Enterprise Zone investments
- Up to $100,000 in credits available
ZHC-Specific Fit
✅ Excellent for:
- Federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or II awardees
- Colorado-based or willing to relocate
- Advanced industries technology focus
- Seeking non-dilutive capital extension
- Job creation aligned with growth
❌ Poor fit if:
- No Colorado presence or plans
- Outside seven advanced industries
- No federal SBIR/STTR award
- Unable to meet job creation targets
Application Process
SBIR/STTR State Matching
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Secure federal award | Varies | Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR |
| Contact OEDIT | — | Discuss eligibility and programs |
| Prepare application | 2-4 weeks | Business plan, financials, federal award docs |
| Submit application | Rolling | Through OEDIT portal |
| Review | 4-8 weeks | State agency evaluation |
| Award notification | 2-4 weeks | Funding decision |
| Compliance | Ongoing | Quarterly reporting required |
Early-Stage Capital Grants
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-application | — | Meet with OEDIT advisors |
| Application | Quarterly cycles | Full business plan + financials |
| Evaluation | 6-10 weeks | Competitive review |
| Board approval | Monthly | Final funding decision |
| Contract | 2-4 weeks | Grant agreement execution |
Funding Amounts
- SBIR/STTR Matching: Varies by federal award size
- Early-Stage Capital: $50K-$250K typical
- Proof of Concept: $50K-$150K
- Tax Credits: 25-35% of investment
Success Statistics
Since 2013, Colorado's Advanced Industries Accelerator Program has:
- Awarded $150.8M in total funding
- Supported 830+ grants
- Created 5,036 new jobs
- Retained 5,223 existing jobs
- Portfolio companies raised $2.9B in follow-on capital
- 19:1 return on state investment
Contact
- Colorado Office of Economic Development (OEDIT)
- Advanced Industries Accelerator Program
- Colorado SBIR/STTR Resources
- SBIR.gov Official Portal
- Email: oedit@state.co.us
- Phone: (303) 892-3840
Regional Support
- Denver Metro: RiNo Arts District, Denver Tech Center
- Boulder: CU Boulder, Pearl Street Innovation
- Colorado Springs: Military/defense tech focus
- Fort Collins: CSU ecosystem
- Local SBDC offices: Free advising statewide