Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program
Montana Department of Commerce
Up to $30,000/phase
Researched for this program: 4 rejection traps · 5 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Flexible state match for Montana SBIR winners
Montana supplements federal SBIR and STTR grants with up to $30,000 per phase for Montana technology companies actively working on a federal innovation project. Matching funds can be used for technology development, commercialization, or other business activities during the federal grant period — giving founders flexibility that federal SBIR restrictions don't allow. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Montana Department of Commerce.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $30,000
- Realistic amount
- Most recipients receive the full $30,000 per phase. Program is competitive but amounts are fixed — you either receive the full award or are not funded.
- Deadline
- Between funding rounds — the 2026 round on Montana's grants portal is closed; the program page says applications can be submitted at any time. Phase II applications must be submitted within 90 days of the Phase I project end date.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- MT
- Payment model
- advance
Who qualifies
- Business must be a technology-based company based and operating in Montana
- Must have an active federal SBIR or STTR award (Phase I or Phase II) from any federal agency
- Phase II matching requires prior receipt of a Phase I award
- Applicant must be the direct recipient of the federal SBIR/STTR award
- Funds must support completion of the SBIR/STTR project or related commercialization activities
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- 51%+ US ownership required
- Requires a prior Phase I award
- Location restriction: Montana — business must be based and operating in Montana
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Technology development activities tied to the SBIR/STTR project
- Commercialization planning and market research
- Salaries for Montana-based project staff
- Equipment and supplies for the project
- Other business activities during the federal grant period (flexible use)
Ineligible expenses
- Activities unrelated to the SBIR/STTR project or technology commercialization
- Payments to non-Montana subcontractors where prohibited
- Personal expenses
How to apply
-
1
Win a federal SBIR or STTR award
Receive a Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR award from any participating federal agency (NIH, NSF, DoD, DOE, USDA, etc.).
~80 hrs
-
2
Submit Montana matching application
Apply through the Montana Department of Commerce portal at funding.mt.gov. Submit your federal award documentation, project description, and intended use of matching funds.
~4 hrs
-
3
Execute grant agreement and begin reporting
Commerce reviews and approves the application. Sign a grant agreement. Submit quarterly progress reports throughout the project duration.
~2 hrs
-
4
Submit final report
Complete the required final report upon project conclusion, summarizing activities, outcomes, and any commercialization progress made.
~3 hrs
Unlike federal SBIR funds, Montana matching funds have fewer use restrictions — founders often use them for commercialization activities the federal agency wouldn't normally cover.
Deadline & timing
Applications are accepted year-round with no fixed cycle. Phase II matching applications must arrive within 90 days of the scheduled Phase I end date or a Phase II award must be in hand. Exceptions to the 90-day window may be granted by Commerce staff.
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