NIST SBIR: What is a Small Business?

Technology Services, Small Business Innovation Research Program, NIST

What is a Small Business?

A small business concern is one that, at the time of award of Phase 1 and Phase 2, meets all of the following criteria:

1. Organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States, which operates primarily within the United States or which makes a significant contribution to the United States economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials or labor;

2. In the legal form of an individual proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, association, trust or cooperative, except that where the form is a joint venture, there can be no more than 49 percent participation by business entities in the joint venture;

3. At least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States, or it must be a for-profit business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by another for-profit business concern that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States -- (except in the case of a joint venture);

And

4. Has, including its affiliates, not more than 500 employees.

Control can be exercised through common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. The term "affiliates" is defined in greater detail in 13 CFR 121.103. The term "number of employees" is defined in 13 CFR 121.106. A business concern may be in the form of an individual proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, association, trust, or cooperative. Further information may be obtained at http://sba.gov/size, or by contacting the Small Business Administration’s Government Contracting Area Office or Office of Size Standards.

For technical questions concerning the Small Business Innovation Research Program, contact us:

Office of Technology Partnerships, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2200
Phone: (301) 975-3085, Fax: (301) 975-3482, Email: sbir@nist.gov

Date created: October 24, 2008
Last modified: October 24, 2008

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