SBIR/STTR (America's Seed Fund)
U.S. federal agencies via SBA
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on the official page before you apply.
- Who it's for
- US small business majority US owned
Open to: veterans, active duty / transitioning service members, spouses, family or caregivers. - Cost
- Free
- Free with no benefit?
- Yes: no GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC benefit needed.
- What you get
- Non-dilutive R&D funding ($50K to $2M+) for small tech businesses
- Type
- Funding, scholarship or grant
- Credential strength
- 4/5: Formal certification or award with direct business value (federal set-asides or non-dilutive funding).
- Duration
- Phase I ~6-12 months
- Format
- Online (Online application)
- Location
- Nationwide
- Deadline
- Agency-specific
- Next start
- Agency-specific
- Stipend / housing / travel
- Funds research, not personal stipend
- Jobs it can lead to
- Founder / Small Business Owner; Principal Investigator; R&D Program Manager
- Notes
- Program authorization status may change; check sbir.gov.
- Official page
- sbir.gov/about
- Last checked
- Sep 30, 2026