Tool · Programme page

NSF SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund at NSF)

National Science Foundation · seedfund.nsf.gov Free Intermediate

The National Science Foundation's SBIR/STTR programme for deep-tech startups: up to $2 million in seed funding and zero equity, with a project pitch as the first step.

  • Invests up to $2 million and takes no equity.
  • Start with a short project pitch before a full proposal.
  • Best for technical risk, not ordinary small businesses.
Open on seedfund.nsf.gov ↗

The question it answers

  1. Which grants can a small business or startup in the US get?

Read with it

  1. This is the founder-perspective answer to your exact question, delivered as an interview rather than a listicle. The clearest... Feel the Boot Podcast · 35 min Non-Dilutive Startup Fundraising: When SBIR Grants Help and When They Distract Feel the Boot (with Caroline Arzoo)
  2. The SBA's own statement that it does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business, and where federal grant money... sba.gov Article · Guide page Grants (U.S. Small Business Administration) U.S. Small Business Administration
  3. The official portal for the SBIR and STTR programmes, which award non-dilutive federal funding to small businesses developing... sbir.gov Tool · Portal SBIR and STTR: America's Seed Fund U.S. Small Business Administration
  4. A law firm's summary of the April 2026 reauthorization: the programmes lapsed for six months, were restored on 13 April 2026,... crowell.com Article · ~6 min read SBIR/STTR programs reauthorized after six-month lapse Crowell and Moring
  5. The single federal site to search and apply for every federal grant opportunity; most opportunities are for organisations and... grants.gov Tool · Portal Grants.gov U.S. Government
  6. The federal government's guide to how grants and loans work, including a warning about 'free money from the government' scams... usa.gov Article · Guide page Government grants and loans (USA.gov) USA.gov
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