Stacy L ChinFounder, KeepYourEquity · I get the government to write you checks

Do NOT go for SBIR Funding!

6 Oct 2023 · 1 min

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In this brief video, Stacy Chin warns that non‑U.S. citizens and non‑permanent residents face significant barriers to receiving Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding. While they may be employed by SBIR‑funded startups, they cannot be direct recipients of the grant money. To work on SBIR projects they often need a work visa or other authorization, and individual federal agencies may impose additional eligibility restrictions. Chin advises prospective applicants to carefully review each agency’s SBIR solicitation guidelines before pursuing this funding route.

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Why you should not go for SBIR funding is because the PI or most of the members within that startup are either not US citizens or are not permanent residents. Non-US-based citizens can participate in SBIR-funded projects as employees of the small business, but they can't directly receive the SBIR funds. Additionally, non-US-based citizens may be subjected to certain restrictions and requirements such as obtaining a work visa or work authorization in order to work for for SBIR-funded small business. It's worth noting that some other federal agencies may have additional eligibility requirements or restrictions whether or not SBIR funding are allowed to be used on non-US citizens. So it's important to review the guidelines for each agency's SBIR solicitation before applying.