between-intakes State Grant

Hawaiʻi Small Business Innovation Research (HSBIR) Matching Grant

Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)

Up to 50% match (Phase 0: $3K)

Visit official program ↗ Get early access to matching

The short version

Double your federal SBIR award in Hawaii

HTDC matches federal SBIR/STTR awards for Hawaii-based companies with up to 50% in additional state funding — letting winning companies nearly double their federal Phase I or Phase II grants. A Phase 0 micro-grant reimburses up to $3,000 in proposal-writing costs for first-time SBIR applicants. All project work must be conducted in Hawaii. In 2024, 27 companies received $2.5M matched against $31M in federal awards.

Funding type: Grant
Level: State
Amount range: $3,000 – $500,000
Realistic amount: Phase I match: $75,000–$150,000 for most agencies. Phase 0: $3,000. In 2024 the average per company was approximately $9…
Deadline: Annual cycle — FY26 applications closed December 11, 2025. FY27 cycle expected to open fall 2026.
Status: between-intakes
States: HI
Payment model: reimbursement

Who qualifies

Must be registered to conduct business in Hawaii
Must be compliant in Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE)
Must have received an active federal SBIR or STTR award within the past 12 months
All project work under the HSBIR match must be conducted in Hawaii
Must complete NIST MEP and HTDC impact metrics surveys annually
Must participate in Innovate HI entrepreneurship programming and events
Phase 0: First-time SBIR/STTR applicants preparing a proposal (federal award not yet required)

Hard requirements

Must be incorporated
51%+ US ownership required
Requires a prior Phase I award
Location restriction: Hawaii — all project work must be conducted in Hawaii

What it covers

Eligible expenses

Salaries and wages for Hawaii-based project staff
Equipment and supplies used for project work in Hawaii
Subcontracts with Hawaii-based organizations
Travel related to the SBIR project (with prior approval)
Phase 0: proposal writing costs including consultants, market research, and formatting

Ineligible expenses

Project work performed outside Hawaii
Overhead or general business expenses unrelated to the SBIR/STTR project
Federal SBIR/STTR application fees (covered separately or not reimbursable)

How to apply

1

Obtain a federal SBIR/STTR award (or prepare Phase 0 proposal)

Win a Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III federal SBIR/STTR award from any participating federal agency. For Phase 0, you are preparing your first SBIR application — no award yet needed.

~80 hrs
2

Verify Hawaii compliance and eligibility

Confirm your business is registered in Hawaii, in good standing with Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE), and that the project work will be conducted in Hawaii.

~2 hrs
3

Apply during the annual HSBIR window

Submit the HSBIR application through HTDC's online portal during the annual intake window (typically fall). Upload your federal award notice, project description, and budget. Applications are scored on team, company, need, commercial potential, and economic impact.

~8 hrs
4

Execute grant agreement and report

Successful applicants sign a grant agreement with HTDC. Quarterly and final progress reports are required. Participate in Innovate HI programming.

~4 hrs

Insider tip

Priority is given to first-time applicants and neighbor island (non-Oahu) businesses. The Phase 0 $3K grant is relatively easy to get and a good entry point into the program.

Deadline & timing

Annual application window typically opens in September–October and closes in December. FY26 cycle closed December 11, 2025. Contact HTDC (sbir@htdc.org) for FY27 opening dates.

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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.