Find Nonprofit and Small Business Grants

Grants to USA and territories small businesses for research and development projects to establish the feasibility of marketing risky, unproven technologies. Applicants must submit a pre-proposal prior to submitting an application. Applicants must also complete required registration prior to applying. Funding is intended to allow small businesses to conduct research and development (R&D) work that will lead to the commercialization of innovative new products and services. The program seeks proposals that show promise of commercial and societal impact. Project Pitches are invited in almost any area of science and technology.

Unlike fundamental research, the NSF STTR program supports startups and small businesses in the creation of innovative, disruptive technologies, getting discoveries out of the lab and into the market. The NSF STTR Program funds research and development. The program is designed to provide equity-free funding and entrepreneurial support at the earliest stages of company and technology development. The STTR program at NSF solicits proposals from the small business sector consistent with NSF's mission to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense.

Full proposals should describe the development of an innovation that demonstrates the following characteristics:
- Involves a high degree of technical risk – for example: Has never been attempted and/or successfully done before; is still facing technical hurdles (that the NSF-funded R&D work is intended to overcome).
- Has the potential for significant commercial impact and/or societal benefit, as evidenced by: Having the potential to disrupt the targeted market segment; having good product-market fit (as validated by customers); presenting barriers to entry for competition; offering potential for societal benefit (through commercialization under a sustainable business model).

Applicants who are awarded Phase I funding will be expected to:
- Explore product-market fit
- Determine the technology’s feasibility
- Design and test prototypes
- Identify any relevant legal or regulatory issues
- Develop a plan to scale and market the technology.

If your technology needs more development — and if you’ve met all the Phase I requirements — you can apply for more funding. Phase II awardees receive up to $750,000 over two years.