West Virginia Startups Can Apply Year-Round for $2,500 SBIR Phase 0 Awards
Launching a strong SBIR or STTR proposal takes more than a great idea. Startups need funding, support, and structure to turn a draft into a winning submission. For West Virginia-based companies, a $2,500 Phase 0 grant from the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund can make that process smoother, and more attainable.
Your TL;DR: West Virginia startups that submit a Phase I SBIR/STTR proposal can apply for a $2,500 Phase 0 grant to cover proposal development costs. Awards are available throughout the year and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Even with a promising innovation, startups often struggle to compete for federal SBIR/STTR awards without funding to support the proposal process. Between writing, reviewing, and validating your concept, the costs add up quickly. Founders need a bridge to carry them from concept to submission.
Proposal prep requires investment, before a single award dollar arrives
That’s where West Virginia’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund comes in.
West Virginia offers a $2,500 grant for SBIR applicants
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center provides $2,500 Phase 0 awards to small businesses in the state that have submitted a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal. This funding is designed to offset the time and financial burden of preparing a competitive submission.
Unlike programs that lock applicants into narrow application windows, the Phase 0 grant is available year-round, with rolling reviews. Entrepreneurs can apply during any month of the year, adding flexibility to match their federal proposal timelines.
Reduce upfront proposal costs and free up time to focus on innovation
This grant offers a straightforward way to reclaim part of your investment in preparing a proposal, without waiting months for reimbursement or struggling with matching requirements. It’s ideal for founders operating on lean budgets, especially those navigating their first federal application.
Suppose you’ve already submitted a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal. In that case, this award lets you recapture part of the cost of doing it right—paying for consultants, internal staff time, or any effort that made your submission stronger.
Without support, early-stage ventures carry unnecessary risk
Many early-stage businesses invest heavily in federal proposals, hoping to compete with larger or better-resourced peers. But without access to non-dilutive support, they shoulder the full cost of development alone. That can limit how often they apply, how competitive their submissions are, or whether they apply at all.
West Virginia’s Phase 0 grant narrows that gap, making SBIR/STTR participation more accessible and equitable for small businesses.
Apply post-submission and receive funding without delay
Unlike most pre-submission supports, this Phase 0 award is available after your SBIR or STTR proposal has been submitted. It is simple, timely, and relevant to any company that’s already taken the first big step of applying for federal innovation funding.
Applications are reviewed by internal state reviewers, and awards are distributed throughout the year. The amount is fixed at $2,500, and there is no indication of a match requirement or lengthy administrative review.
A Morgantown-based software startup recently submitted its first SBIR Phase I proposal and claimed the $2,500 West Virginia Phase 0 grant to recover proposal preparation costs. With that support, they offset consultant fees and internal labor, freeing resources to focus on refining their Phase II strategy.
Just submitted your SBIR proposal? Reclaim $2,500 in eligible costs
Visit the official grant page to confirm your eligibility and submit your application. If you’re preparing future SBIR proposals and want to integrate this opportunity into your overall strategy, schedule a consult call with our team for tailored planning support.
We guide startups through Phase 0 funding strategies nationwide
At EB Howard, we understand how Phase 0 grants can transform a good idea into a fundable proposal. We’ve helped clients across the country leverage early-stage supports to reduce risk, increase competitiveness, and win funding. West Virginia’s grant is an example of a focused, founder-friendly tool that meets startups where they are.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.