Small Business Grants for Technology & Software (2026)
Technology startups have access to one of the most robust grant ecosystems in the United States, anchored by the federal SBIR/STTR program which distributes over $4 billion annually across 11 agencies. These programs provide non-dilutive funding, meaning founders keep full ownership of their companies while receiving substantial R&D capital.
The National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NIH, DOE, and NASA all run active SBIR programs with rolling or annual deadlines. NSF's America's Seed Fund is particularly founder-friendly, offering a rolling Project Pitch system where startups can submit ideas anytime and receive feedback within weeks.
Beyond federal programs, the private sector offers significant support for tech entrepreneurs. Google for Startups provides up to $350,000 in cloud credits for AI startups, while MassChallenge runs equity-free accelerators with cash prizes exceeding $100,000. Visa's Everywhere Initiative targets fintech innovators with awards up to $100,000.
State-level programs add another layer of opportunity. Colorado's Advanced Industries grants fund aerospace, bioscience, and IT companies. Ohio's Third Frontier invests in advanced manufacturing and IT startups. Maryland's TEDCO provides seed funding for early-stage tech companies.
The technology grant landscape rewards companies solving real problems with defensible intellectual property. Successful applicants typically demonstrate a clear path to commercialization, a strong technical team, and technology that addresses a significant market need. Whether you are building AI infrastructure, developing clean energy solutions, or creating the next generation of software tools, non-dilutive funding can accelerate your growth without giving up equity.
Active Technology & Software Grants98 Available
Award Amount
$275,000 - $305,000
NSF SBIR Phase I (America's Seed Fund)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $150,000
Florida High Tech Corridor Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $275,000
DOD SBIR Phase I
Award Amount
$50,000 - $200,000
DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I
Award Amount
$50,000 - $100,000
EPA SBIR Phase I
Award Amount
$250,000 - $2,000,000
EDA Build to Scale (Venture Challenge)
Award Amount
$50,000 - $500,000
Texas Product Development & Small Business Incubator Fund
Award Amount
$50,000 - $5,000,000
New York Excelsior Jobs Program
Award Amount
$100,000 - $2,000,000
Florida High Impact Performance Incentive
Award Amount
$50,000 - $500,000
Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Award Amount
$50,000 - $200,000
Ohio Third Frontier
Award Amount
$50,000 - $150,000
Colorado Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $250,000
Colorado Early-Stage Capital & Retention Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
Colorado Advanced Industries Export Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $150,000
Arizona Innovation Challenge
Award Amount
$10,000 - $35,000
Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants
Award Amount
$25,000 - $200,000
TEDCO Seed/Pre-Seed Funding
Award Amount
$2,000 - $350,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $100,000
MassChallenge Accelerator (Equity-Free)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
SoGal Foundation Black Founder Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
DigitalUndivided Breakthrough Program
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$1,000 - $10,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
California Dream Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $1,000,000
Texas Enterprise Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Global NY Grant Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
NYS Business Seed Funding
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Florida Export Marketing Plan
Award Amount
$5,000 - $150,000
Illinois Back to Business (B2B)
Award Amount
$100,000 - $500,000
Advantage Illinois (SSBCI)
Award Amount
$2,000 - $10,000
Global Access Program (GAP)
Award Amount
$600,000 - $5,000,000
EDA Public Works Program
Award Amount
$150,000 - $2,500,000
EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance
Award Amount
$75,000 - $150,000
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA HUBZone Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA Women-Owned Small Business Contracting
Award Amount
$20,000 - $5,000,000
California Competes Tax Credit
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
California IBank Small Business Loan Guarantee
Award Amount
$2,000 - $500,000
Texas Skills Development Fund
Award Amount
$3,000 - $6,000
Florida Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund
Award Amount
$25,000 - $2,000,000
Illinois EDGE Tax Credit Program
Award Amount
$10,000 - $245,000
Illinois Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $1,000,000
InvestOhio Tax Credit
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
JobsOhio Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$35,000 - $250,000
OneGeorgia Authority Grants
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
Georgia REBA (Regional Economic Business Assistance)
Award Amount
$100,000 - $5,000,000
North Carolina Job Development Investment Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
One North Carolina Fund
Award Amount
$50,000 - $500,000
Golden LEAF Foundation Open Grants
Award Amount
$50,000 - $2,000,000
Michigan Business Development Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $200,000
Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Michigan Match on Main
Award Amount
$2,000 - $10,000
Washington State Export Voucher Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $250,000
Washington Small Business Flex Fund
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
Massachusetts Biz-M-Power Crowdfunding Match
Award Amount
$50,000 - $2,000,000
Virginia Commonwealth Opportunity Fund
Award Amount
$50,000 - $1,000,000
Minnesota Job Creation Fund
Award Amount
$50,000 - $500,000
Oregon Business Development Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Maryland Small Business Grant Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Allstate Main Street Grants (Hello Alice)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Fund Her Future Grant (H&R Block)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Kiva 0% Interest Microloans
Award Amount
$15,000 - $25,000
Amazon Business Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Ladies Who Launch Program
Award Amount
$500 - $2,500
Freed Fellowship Grant
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative (2027 Cycle)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$7,500 - $7,500
Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers
Award Amount
$15,000 - $15,000
Girlboss Foundation Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Red Backpack Fund (Spanx Foundation)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
NAWBO / Mastercard Small Business Grants
Award Amount
$2,000 - $5,000
Second Service Foundation Veteran Awards
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP x L'Oreal Beauty Industry Grants
Award Amount
$10,000 - $20,000
Fearless Strivers Grant (Fearless Fund + Mastercard)
Award Amount
$1,500 - $5,000
First Nations Acorn Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
NDI Small Business Hub (Disability Entrepreneurs)
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
USHCC / Wells Fargo Hispanic Business Grants
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SBIR program and how do tech startups apply?▼
SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) is a federal program requiring 11 agencies to set aside a portion of their R&D budgets for small businesses. Phase I awards range from $100K-$305K for feasibility studies. Apply through individual agency solicitations at SBIR.gov. NSF offers the most startup-friendly process with rolling submissions.
Can software companies get SBIR grants or is it only for hardware?▼
Software companies absolutely qualify for SBIR grants. NSF, DOD, and NIH all fund software-based innovations including AI/ML, cybersecurity, health IT, and enterprise SaaS. The key requirement is that the technology must be novel and have commercial potential.
Are there grants for AI startups specifically?▼
Yes. Google for Startups offers up to $350,000 in cloud credits specifically for AI companies. NSF SBIR actively seeks AI/ML proposals. NIH funds health AI applications. The DOE supports AI for energy and scientific computing. Meta also runs impact grant programs for AI-focused projects.
Do I have to give up equity to get a technology grant?▼
No. Federal SBIR/STTR grants, NSF awards, Google Cloud credits, and MassChallenge prizes are all non-dilutive, meaning you keep 100% ownership. This is one of the biggest advantages of grants over venture capital for early-stage tech companies.