SBIR provides equity free funding through federal agencies to American small businesses
How We Help
Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization
Our Ecosystem
Small Business Administration
America's Seed Fund is coordinated by the Small Business Administration and funded through 11 participating federal agencies that fund innovations through the SBIR/STTR programs
Support Organizations
Accelerators, technical assistance centers, and other support organiztions around the country help startups identify and apply for awards.
Federal Agencies
Participating agencies' SBIR/STTR programs select and fund qualified proposals.
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs apply for awards and develop their ideas hands-on with agencies.
Celebrating Success
America's Seed Fund provides funding that advances high-impact, disruptive innovations.
Since 1982, SBIR funding has moved countless ideas from tiny sparks into transformative technologies. Learn more by exploring our success story database or reviewing previous winners of the prestigious Tibbetts Awards Program.
The SBIR/STTR programs are an important source of early-stage technology funding for small businesses. Learn how the SBIR/STTR programs have helped R&D-focused entrepreneurs, and advanced research and development in a wide variety of technology areas.
Read our annual report or search award data for more information.
Who We Are
America's Seed Fund provides technology-focused entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with funding to develop their ideas and a pathway to commercialization. Powered by a network of federal agencies, entrepreneur support organizations, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), America's Seed Fund advances federal missions and fosters a culture of innovation in the United States.
As the sponsoring agency for America's Seed Fund, SBA guides the participating agency's implementation of their SBIR/STTR programs, monitors and reports on program progress to Congress, and aggregates agency solicitation information. The SBA's expert staff supports the program by administering the Policy Directive and liaising with participating federal agencies and technology entrepreneurs.
Each participating federal agency administers its own SBIR/STTR program within guidelines established by Congress.