NCCIH Research Blog

I recently joined the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) as a program director, and I’m the new coordinator for NCCIH’s small business research programs. I’d like to share some resources that you may find helpful, including details about opportunities with deadlines that are coming up soon.

The starting place on the NCCIH website for all things related to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs is our recently updated SBIR/STTR home page. It has information about: 

• NCCIH’s SBIR and STTR research priorities
• Resources for technical assistance
• Current SBIR/STTR funding opportunities

Another excellent resource is the main National Institutes of Health (NIH) small business website. If you’re a first-time applicant, I especially recommend the Small Business Funding page, which explains the basics of the small business program and gives details on how to apply. 

The Applicant Assistance Program

If you’re planning to apply for Phase I SBIR/STTR funding for the first time, you may want to consider applying for the Applicant Assistance Program (AAP). This free 10-week customized coaching program provides selected small businesses with needs assessment and mentoring, application support, and application review. One of the program’s goals is to increase the number of applications submitted by underrepresented small businesses. Therefore, socially/economically disadvantaged small businesses, women-owned small businesses, and small businesses located in underrepresented states are especially encouraged to apply.

If you’re planning to submit your SBIR/STTR application by the September 5, 2022 deadline, the AAP that runs from June through August would be the right one for you. The application period for this program is April 25 through May 23.

You can learn more about the AAP by watching a recorded webinar on the National Cancer Institute's SBIR/STTR webpage or registering for an upcoming webinar on April 25, 2022 at 2 pm ET. 

For More Information

If you have questions about the small business programs, please contact me at emrin.horgusluoglu-moloch@nih.gov. When you’re planning an application, it’s always best to reach out to NCCIH early to discuss your idea and how it aligns with our Center’s mission. I look forward to hearing from you.