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Grants for Startups and Early-Stage Companies

Startup grants provide non-dilutive funding for early-stage companies without giving up equity. Federal SBIR/STTR programs award billions annually, state economic development agencies fund local startups, and foundation programs support social enterprises. Unlike loans or venture capital, grants do not require repayment or equity.

Top Grants for Startups

12 grants relevant to startups

12 grants on this page, worth up to $1.4M combined.

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Grant Details: Amounts and Deadlines

Grant NameFunderAmountDeadline
Continuation or Revision of NIDCR Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UH3 Clinical Trial Required)National Institutes of HealthVariesNov 9, 2026
Single Source for the Continuation of the Caring for OutPatiEnts after Acute Kidney Injury (COPE-AKI) Scientific and Data Research Center (U01 Clinical Trial Required)National Institutes of HealthVariesNov 9, 2026
Veterans Employment Program - Delaware CountyLabor & Industry (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)Up to $350KNov 10, 2026
Early-Stage Innovative Technology Development for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)National Institutes of HealthUp to $150KNov 10, 2026
Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)National Institutes of HealthUp to $300KNov 10, 2026
Clinical Research Network on Antimicrobial Resistance (UM1 Clinical Trial Required)National Institutes of HealthVariesNov 10, 2026
Data Coordinating Center for the Aging and Alzheimer s Disease Mouse Brain Atlas (AD-MBA) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)National Institutes of HealthVariesNov 10, 2026
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Intermediate Patient Population Expanded Access (U01 Clinical Trial Required)National Institutes of HealthVariesNov 10, 2026
Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Network (IDCTN) (UM1 Clinical Trial Required)National Institutes of HealthVariesNov 10, 2026
Veterans Employment ProgramLabor & Industry (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)Up to $200KNov 10, 2026

Grants by Audience

Frequently Asked Questions: Grants for Startups

What is the best grant program for startups?
The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program is the largest, awarding over $4 billion annually across 11 federal agencies. Phase I awards range from $50K-$275K for feasibility studies. State-level programs like the Michigan Pre-Seed Fund and California Competes also provide startup grants.
Can pre-revenue startups get grants?
Yes. SBIR Phase I is designed for early-stage research before commercial viability is proven. Many state programs and accelerator grants target pre-revenue companies. The key is demonstrating a viable concept and clear path to commercialization.
Are startup grants really free money?
Grants do not require repayment or equity. However, they come with reporting requirements, spending restrictions, and sometimes intellectual property provisions. SBIR grants require the funded work to be performed by your company, and results must be reported to the funding agency.
How do I find startup grants in my state?
Every state has an economic development agency that funds startups. Check your state's commerce or economic development website. Many states offer matching funds for federal SBIR awards. Use FindGrants to search by state and organization type to find relevant opportunities.

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