All Grants & Funding Programs

The most common SBA loan program, providing government-backed financing up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, real estate, and business acquisition. Interest rates are capped based on loan size, with terms up to 25 years for real estate.

Provides small loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders to help small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers start up and expand. Average microloan is about $13,000. Interest rates typically 8-13% with terms up to 6 years.

The 8(a) Business Development program is a federal contracting and training program authorized by Sections 7(j)(10) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act for experienced small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Businesses that participate in the program receive training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

Grant program providing funding to small manufacturing businesses and nonprofit organizations for technical assistance and workforce development in key industries like steel, timber, aluminum, and energy. Recipients can receive up to $1.1 million.

The federal government's goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. To help provide a level playing field for women business owners, the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program.

SBIR Phase I grants fund the exploration of technical merit and feasibility of an innovative idea. Coordinated by SBA and funded through 11 federal agencies. Recently reauthorized through September 2031 with updated award amounts up to $275,000.

NSF's America's Seed Fund invests in startups and small businesses with innovative, high-risk technology across nearly all technology areas and markets including AI, energy, medical devices, robotics, and semiconductors. Phase I awards up to $305,000.

One of NSF's most prestigious awards supporting early-career faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars. Provides a minimum of $400,000 (or $500,000 in BIO, ENG, OPP directorates) over a 5-year period for integrated research and education.

Provides 3 years of support to outstanding graduate students in STEM. Each year of support includes a $37,000 stipend and $16,000 cost-of-education allowance. Total value approximately $159,000 over the fellowship period.

NSF Engines accelerate use-inspired research and innovation in regions across the country. The program has made a $135 million initial investment leveraging more than $1 billion in matching commitments for technologies in AI, chipmaking, quantum science, energy storage, and disaster preparedness.

The original and historically most significant NIH grant mechanism. Supports discrete, specified health-related research projects for up to 5 years. Up to $500,000 per year in direct costs without prior approval; larger budgets require justification.

NIH SBIR Phase I grants support small businesses in health-related R&D to establish feasibility and scientific merit. Award amounts vary by institute: typically $300,000-$400,000 for Phase I depending on the NIH institute.

DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I explores the feasibility of innovative energy-related concepts. Awards up to $200,000 over nine months across technical topics spanning energy production, energy use, fundamental energy sciences, environmental management, and defense nuclear nonproliferation.

Provides small businesses with access to expertise and capabilities at DOE national laboratories for clean energy technology development. Vouchers cover collaborative projects between businesses and lab researchers.

The Industrial Training and Assessment Centers Implementation Grant Program provides grants to small and medium-sized manufacturers to implement energy efficiency, productivity, and sustainability recommendations. Up to $300,000 per assessment recommendation at 50% cost share. Total pool of $80 million.

Funds community-based organizations, tribal governments, and Native American organizations working to address environmental justice issues. Since 1994, over $37 million awarded to 1,500+ organizations. Grants up to $100,000.

Provides up to $1 million for assessment and cleanup activities at brownfield sites, including planning and community engagement. Helps turn vacant and abandoned properties into community assets that attract jobs.

Designed to give Americans the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their environment. Supports projects that promote environmental awareness and education in communities.

Helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities. Planning grants up to $50,000 for feasibility studies and business plans; working capital grants up to $200,000 for processing, packaging, and advertising. Requires 1:1 matching funds.

Provides grants for rural economic development and job creation. Enterprise grants support small businesses; Opportunity grants fund business support centers and training. Approximately $30 million available annually. No cost sharing required.