Find Out if Your Business Qualifies for U.S. Federal Grant Funding
Find Out if Your Business Qualifies for U.S. Federal Grant Funding Starting and growing a business can be an expensive
July 9, 2024
Non-Dilutive Grant Funding for R&D and Technical Founders
Practical guidance, tools, and support for founders who have decided that grant funding is the right path for their business.
This hub is for founders who:
- Have a technical or R&D-driven business
- Understand that grants require planning and effort
- Want to pursue non-dilutive funding deliberately
Not sure if grants are right for you?
What Grant Funding Can (and Cannot) Do
Grant funding can help you:
- Fund R&D and technical development
- De-risk early innovation
- Validate feasibility
Grant funding does not:
- Replace customers
- Guarantee commercialization
- Eliminate business risk
“This hub focuses on using grants appropriately and strategically.”
What Types of Grants Are Available
The U.S. federal government offers grant programs for small businesses, including SBIR and STTR programs.
Major Grant-Funding Agencies
What Grant Funding Can (and Cannot) Do
The Grant Application Process
Grant applications follow a structured, competitive process.
Am I Eligible for Grant Funding?
Not all businesses qualify and eligibility matters.
Grant Search & Listings
Explore current grant opportunities and example awards.
Courses & Guided Programs
(Optional, Not Required)
Some founders prefer self-guided learning. Others want structured timelines and accountability.
These programs are here when you want them.
Break Out of Your Job Now (for Innovators)
For professionals transitioning intentionally into business ownership without rushing or burning bridges.
30-Day Commercialization Plan Challenge
Develop a clear, realistic commercialization strategy for your product or service.
R&D Plan Accelerator
For founders developing technical products who need structured R&D planning and expert feedback.
Non-dilutive funding for R&D and STEM entrepreneurs
- Find grants to apply for
- Get help with your proposal
- Watch your business thrive
Stay Informed:
- Download our Free ebooks and keep up-to-date on grant opportunities and entrepreneurship training.
Go from reactive to proactive
Explore our tools and articles for obtaining non-dilutive funding for business
What types of grants are available from the U.S. government?
The U.S. federal government offers many types of grants to support a wide range of both non-profit and for-profit activities and initiatives.
U.S. Federal Grant Opportunities
There are over 13 federal agencies that offer numerous grants that are released throughout the year
Grant Application Process
Applying for grants involves several essential steps, tailored to each grant program and its administering agency.
Find out if your business qualifies for grant funding
Take our quiz to help you to determine if your business qualifies for grant funding
Free Grant Search Listings
Explore our collection of grant opportunities, information, and training
PAR-24-221: NINDS Renewal Awards of SBIR Phase II Grants (Phase IIB) for Clinical Trials and Clinical Research (R44 Clinical Trial Optional)
Purpose NINDS is committed to advancing treatments, tools, and diagnostics that benefit people burdened by neurological diseases through the NINDS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer
Application Link:
PAR-24-132: Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Required)
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund, are one of the largest sources of early-stage capital for technology commercialization in the
Application Link:
PAR-24-221: NINDS Renewal Awards of SBIR Phase II Grants (Phase IIB) for Clinical Trials and Clinical Research (R44 Clinical Trial Optional)
Purpose NINDS is committed to advancing treatments, tools, and diagnostics that benefit people burdened by neurological diseases through the NINDS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer
Application Link:
Our Courses
Explore our courses to help you to find your ideal business how to start your business, and then determine the critical next steps for your business
30 Day Grant Writing Challenge
Successfully write a business grant in 30 days to obtain funding for your startup or small
business.
R&D Plan Accelerator
Take the 30-Day R&D Plan Challenge to the next level with expert guidance at each step. This option offers personalized feedback on your plan to ensure it aligns with the grant’s requirements and your business goals.
30 Day Commercialization Plan Challenge
Our 30 Day Commercialization Plan Challenge provides you with the tools and step-by-step guidance to develop your own commercialization strategy.
Grant Information
Interested in pursuing federal grant funding? There are over 13 federal agencies that offer numerous grants that are released throughout the year. Some of these U.S. Federal agencies include
Department of Energy (DOE)
The Department of Energy (DOE) supports all types of renewable energy science and technologies for businesses, research institutions, and universities.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) leads the nation for biomedical and health research grants for businesses, research institutions, and universities.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports fundamental science and technology research and STEM education for businesses, research institutions, and universities.
Department of Defense (DoD)
The Department of Defense (DOD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program provides opportunities for innovative small businesses to engage in research and development projects.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs offer funding opportunities for innovative small businesses.
Research Grant Opportunities
Begin by identifying grants that match your project’s objectives. You can explore government websites, grant databases, and funding newsletters. Pay close attention to eligibility criteria, requirements, and deadlines.
Free Course on Demand -- The Basics of the SBIR/STTR Program
You are invited to a free course on demand. Please register for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information to join the course.
You need assistance to help you develop your idea
Determine the next steps to take to obtain grant funding.
Colleen Spiegel, Ph.D.
With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Spiegel and her team have the expertise needed to guide you in determining the next steps in your business. Colleen can help you to develop a thorough plan for your business and proposal from multiple perspectives: engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, and grant reviewer.
Our Latest Blog
We provide free information and resources to help drive your business forward
Navigating the NSF SBIR/STTR Program: Creating a Winning NSF Project Pitch
Navigating the NSF SBIR/STTR Program: Creating a Winning NSF Project Pitch Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with a groundbreaking innovation
July 9, 2024
Advantages of Pursuing Grants for Your Business
Advantages of Pursuing Grants for Your Business Exploring grant opportunities can yield several strategic advantages for your business By Bella
July 8, 2024
Free ebooks
Looking to enhance your business skills and improve your chances of success? Download our FREE eBooks and gain valuable insights into key aspects of entrepreneurship and grant proposal writing.
01. Create a Winning Grant Proposal
This Free eBook provides advice to assist you in compiling essential aspects of your grant proposal.
02. Your Value Proposition
Discover how to craft a compelling value proposition that resonates with your target audience and sets your business apart from the competition.
03. Commercialization Planning for New Products
This Free Ebook includes information on effectively conducting market research, performing a preliminary market assessment, and budget and financial considerations.
- You can unsubscribe at any time and your information is kept 100% confidential and never sold.
Questions? Let's TaIk.
We’ll help you determine if SEMSCIO is the right fit for you and answer any of your questions.
Creating Your Business
Roadmap
Create a definitive business roadmap and plan so that you can have clarity in planning your next business steps.
Aligning Self-Discovery with Business Selection
Explore your knowledge, interests, skills, risk tolerance, and business types to determine the type of business to start and begin formulating an action plan.
30 Day Grant Writing
Challenge
Successfully write a business grant in 30 days to obtain funding for your startup or small
business.
business.
Creating Your Business
Roadmap
Create a definitive business roadmap and plan so that you can have clarity in planning your next business steps.
Aligning Self-Discovery with Business Selection
Explore your knowledge, interests, skills, risk tolerance, and business types to determine the type of business to start and begin formulating an action plan.
30 Day Grant Writing
Challenge
Successfully write a business grant in 30 days to obtain funding for your startup or small
business.
business.
Courses & Guided Programs
(Optional, Not Required)
Some founders prefer self-guided learning. Others want structured timelines and accountability.
These programs are here when you want them.
Break Out of Your Job Now (for Innovators)
For professionals transitioning intentionally into business ownership without rushing or burning bridges.
30-Day Commercialization Plan Challenge
Develop a clear, realistic commercialization strategy for your product or service.
R&D Plan Accelerator
For founders developing technical products who need structured R&D planning and expert feedback.