NSF 24-582: NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Fast-Track Pilot Programs (SBIR-STTR Fast-Track) is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). This Fast-Track Pilot Program falls under the NSF SBIR/STTR umbrella, soliciting proposals from small businesses developing game-changing technologies in broad technology areas based on groundbreaking scientific discoveries or significant engineering breakthroughs with significa…

ARPA-H MOCS (Making Obstetrics Care Smart) develops technology to help families and care teams plan for and have safe deliveries by generating tools to predict both chronic and acute fetal status and provide the best recommendations for intervention. The program uses new sensors paired with artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict infant status. Two technical areas are funded: (1) risk scoring systems for predicting low fetal oxygen levels using AI/ML models and (2) novel non-invasive wireless monitoring methods to assess fetal risk continuously during labor and delivery. The program addresses the critical challenge that current fetal monitoring technologies have high false positive rates leading to unnecessary interventions while missing genuine distress signals. Pre-proposal discussions were required before full proposal submission. This is distinct from ARPA-H AIR which focuses on surgical robotics and from ARPA-H ADVOCATE which develops agentic AI for cardiovascular care.

ARPA-H Open Office Broad Agency Announcement is a grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) that supports high-impact, innovative health research aimed at solving complex challenges traditional research and private industry cannot address alone. Through diverse funding mechanisms including programs, initiatives, and small business SBIR/STTR awards, ARPA-H invests in transformative science to improve health outcomes at scale. Current solicitations include BioStabilization Systems (BoSS), Critical Illness Immunological Reprogramming (CIRCLE), and the Delphi self-monitoring ecosystem project. Mission Office Innovative Solution Openings (ISOs) accept rolling applications for individual research projects outside existing program scopes. Applicants must align with ARPA-H's research focus areas and submit a Solution Summary before a full proposal.

The EDGE Grant Competition (STEM track) is a grant from the State of Delaware Division of Small Business that funds Delaware-based STEM companies through the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE 2.0) pitch competition. The STEM track offers up to ,000 in total funding distributed among up to 18 potential awardees, with scaled award amounts determined by the quality of finalist pitch presentations. In addition to funding, finalists and awardees receive post-pitch in-kind services and support. Eligible applicants must be majority-located in Delaware, qualify as small businesses, and operate in a STEM field. The 2026 competition deadline was March 6, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I is a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration offering up to $150,000 to U.S.-based small business concerns (SBCs) for feasibility research on innovative technologies aligned with NASA's mission areas. Phase I awards support the development of concepts with high potential for commercialization and transition to Phase II. Applications for the 2026 cycle were due March 10, 2026. NASA SBIR funds R&D in areas including space exploration, aeronautics, science instruments, Earth observation, and advanced manufacturing, providing small businesses with non-dilutive capital and a pathway to federal contracts.

Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel (ALPV) Solicitation is a grant from the Defense Innovation Unit that funds innovative solutions for low-cost autonomous maritime logistics transport in contested littoral environments. The Department of Defense seeks vessels capable of carrying a minimum of 18,000 pounds of cargo across all supply classes including bulk liquids, operating at ranges of 1,000 to 2,000 nautical miles in NATO sea state 5 while fully laden, sustaining speeds of at least 12 knots, and loitering for up to 96 hours. Proposed solutions must be demonstrable within 180 days of award and built on Modular Open Systems Approach principles for interoperability. Open to U.S. and international companies meeting nontraditional defense contractor or small business requirements under 10 USC 4022.

The Ladies Who Launch 2026 Launch Program, funded in partnership with Boundless Futures Foundation, awards $10,000 cash grants to 10 US-based, women-led small businesses that integrate social impact into their business models. Each grantee receives $7,500 in unrestricted business funds and $2,500 dedicated to AI literacy development. The program also includes an eight-week group training covering cash flow management, branding, and business skills, plus access to a mentorship community. Eligible businesses must be more than 51% women-owned, have earned between $100,000 and $499,999 in gross annual revenue, possess an EIN or business bank account, and not be nonprofits or franchises. Social impact examples include employment models for at-risk individuals, sustainable product development, and fair trade certifications.

Ripple Digital Leap Forward Accelerator is a grant from Ripple/Accion Opportunity Fund that funds small business owners looking to adopt digital tools and grow their operations. Developed by Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) with support from Ripple, this 8-week fully virtual accelerator provides expert-led sessions covering digital tools, automation, payments (including stablecoin), marketing, inventory management, HR, and financial systems. Participants also receive a personalized digital assessment and roadmap, dedicated capital preparedness support, and peer networking opportunities. Eligible applicants must have operated their business for at least one year, generate ,000–,500,000 in annual revenue, employ 1–5 staff, maintain a functioning business website and business bank account, and commit to full program participation. Upon completion, participants receive a ,000 grant.

The Community Quarterback Grant is a grant from The Coalition (formerly CNHED) that funds nonprofits serving as community anchors to strengthen small business ecosystems in the District of Columbia. The grant provides up to $50,000 to support organizations working as "community quarterbacks" — coordinating cross-sector efforts in equitable economic development, affordable housing, workforce development, and small business support for under-resourced communities. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations focused on small business development projects. The Coalition leverages its convening power and network of practitioners, residents, and elected officials to advance innovative community economic development solutions addressing systemic inequity in Washington, D.C.

DIBC Request for Project Proposals (RPP) - Strategic and Critical Materials is a large-scale defense funding solicitation managed by the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and administered by ATI, offering awards ranging from $100 million to over $500 million. The program targets critical minerals and strategic materials supply chain challenges facing the U.S. defense industrial base. Applicants follow a two-step process — submitting a white paper before a full proposal — and may address technology areas including microelectronics, kinetic capabilities, biotechnology, and cross-cutting defense priorities. This opportunity is best suited for defense contractors, research institutions, and industrial manufacturers with demonstrated capabilities in advanced materials and national security applications.

NASA Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs (NAS_Hub) funding opportunity. This cooperative agreement solicitation seeks proposals to establish state or regionally focused hubs that address critical shortages in the aerospace skilled technical workforce and strengthen alignment between education, workforce systems, industry, and NASA missions.NAS_Hubs will serve as strategic centers that coordinate aerospace employers, career and technical education (CTE) programs at community colleges and high schools, state or regional workforce development boards, economic development agencies, and NASA Centers or facilities. The initiative focuses on developing clear pathways for students and jobseekers into high-demand, entry-level aerospace technical careers that do not require a bachelor’s degree.Approximately $12 million is anticipated to be available over a three-year period, with an expected eight awards of approximately $1.5 million each (up to $500,000 annually). Cost sharing is not required. Eligible applicants include government entities, institutions of higher education, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and small businesses. Awards will be made as cooperative agreements and evaluated based on relevance to NASA, intrinsic merit, and budget reasonableness. Proposals must be submitted electronically through NASA’s NSPIRES system by the published deadline. Funding Opportunity Number: NNH26ZHA001C. Assistance Listing: 43.008. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: ED. Award Amount: Up to $1.5M per award.

NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program is part of America's Seed Fund, the nation's largest source of early-stage non-dilutive funding for technology startups. The program supports small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to develop, mature, and commercialize innovative technologies that advance NASA missions. Funding is available through multiple phases, including Phase I feasibility studies and Phase II prototype development. Note that Congressional authorization of the SBIR/STTR programs expired September 30, 2025, temporarily halting new solicitations and awards while existing contracts continue. NASA is transitioning from traditional solicitation cycles to a Broad Agency Announcement format. The program also participates in the SBA's SBIR Partnering Platform connecting small businesses with investors and partners.

SBIR DTRA254-P005: Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats - Open Topic is sponsored by Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). DOD SBIR topic DTRA254-P005: Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats - Open Topic. Component: Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Command: DTRA. Solicitation: DoD SBIR 2025.4. Phase(s): I, II, SPII. Status: Pre-Release. Open date: 3/4/2026.

SBIR CBD254-005: Complex Geometries for Extended Wear Respirators Towards Regenerable Particulate Matter Protection is sponsored by Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD). DOD SBIR topic CBD254-005: Complex Geometries for Extended Wear Respirators Towards Regenerable Particulate Matter Protection. Component: Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD). Command: CBD. Solicitation: DoD SBIR 2025.4. Phase(s): I, II, SPII. Status: Pre-Release. Open date: 3/4/2026.

SBIR SF254-D1206: Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations is sponsored by U.S. Air Force. DOD SBIR topic SF254-D1206: Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations. Component: U.S. Air Force. Command: SDA. Solicitation: DoD SBIR 2025.4. Phase(s): D2PII, II, SPII. Status: Pre-Release. Open date: 3/4/2026.

SBIR DMEA254-P001: RF Frontend Design (RFE) on Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) Open Topic is sponsored by Department of Defense (DMEA). DOD SBIR topic DMEA254-P001: RF Frontend Design (RFE) on Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) Open Topic. Component: Department of Defense (DMEA). Command: DMEA. Solicitation: DoD SBIR 2025.4. Phase(s): I, II, SPII. Status: Pre-Release. Open date: 3/4/2026.

SBIR CBD254-012: Microphysiological systems to Assess Pretreatment Immunogenicity and Efficacy (MAGPIE) is sponsored by Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD). DOD SBIR topic CBD254-012: Microphysiological systems to Assess Pretreatment Immunogenicity and Efficacy (MAGPIE). Component: Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD). Command: CBD. Solicitation: DoD SBIR 2025.4. Phase(s): I, II, SPII. Status: Pre-Release. Open date: 3/4/2026.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Phase I is a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds high-quality research by small businesses addressing important scientific problems and o…

The Business Skills Mentoring Program is a program from Business Victoria that provides eligible small business owners with three one-hour mentoring sessions with experienced business professionals. The program aims to build skills, set goals, and help owners navigate business challenges across topics such as marketing, finance, strategic planning, and digitalization. Up to 1,000 small business owners can participate, with sessions to be completed within three months. Eligibility is focused on small businesses operating in six priority sectors including advanced manufacturing and defence, and health technologies and medical research. Expressions of interest closed March 27, 2026.

Biomedical Innovation Centers Grants is a grant from Empire State Development (NY State), through the Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), that funds early-stage technology development and commercialization efforts by small businesses and startups in New York State. The program provides matching grant support to leverage federal R&D funding, helping applicants strengthen proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and other grant-making organizations. The goal is to attract more federal research and development dollars to support life science and biomedical innovation in New York. Eligible applicants are small businesses and startups in New York State. Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000. Applications are accepted monthly with a submission deadline of the 20th of each month. The most recent deadline listed is March 31, 2026.

Truist Foundation General Grant Program is sponsored by Truist Foundation Inc.. Strategic investments in nonprofit organizations that support adults through two giving pillars: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. The foundation funds sustainable, innovative programs, curriculum expansion, equipment, and capital needs. It specifically focuses on workforce development and supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. Geographic focus: U.S. states where Truist operates: AL, DC, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV. Focus areas: Workforce Development, Economic Mobility, Small Business Support, Entrepreneurship, Career Pathways

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants is sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This grant provides funding to small businesses in rural areas for energy efficiency improvements. For a cafe or tea shop, this can include upgrading high-energy equipment like refrigeration, HVAC, or lighting systems to reduce operational costs.

NASA STRIDE Science Transport and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and Exploration is a grant from NASA that funds design studies of advanced robotic systems for science transport and exploration applications in support of NASA's science mission. The program solicits proposals from U.S. industry to develop innovative robotic technologies that can be deployed in challenging environments, advancing NASA's goals for space exploration including future Moon and Mars missions. Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and NASA centers are also eligible to participate. Small businesses are eligible applicants. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2026. This opportunity is listed under NASA's Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES-25) program, Amendment 49.

National Technical Assistance Programs (HRSA-26-009) is a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that funds organizations providing technical assistance to existing and potential federally qualified health centers. Recipients will deliver high-impact support helping health centers improve primary care delivery, chronic disease management, nutrition and preventive services, operational efficiency, and compliance with Health Center Program requirements. Funded activities also address emergent public health needs and priorities. Eligible applicants include organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories; individuals are not eligible. Applications were accepted from December 23, 2025 through March 31, 2026, with an estimated award date of August 1, 2026.

NASA's Science Transport and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and Exploration (STRIDE) program, part of ROSES-2025, funds research and development of robotic systems and autonomous technologies for space science missions. Track A awards up to $1M support early-stage robotic concepts and feasibility studies, while Track B awards up to $3M fund more mature technology development and prototyping. The program seeks innovations in space robotics, autonomous navigation and manipulation for planetary exploration, AI-driven mission planning and adaptive decision-making, robotic sample collection and transport systems, in-situ resource utilization robots, and autonomous deployment systems for scientific instruments in extreme environments including planetary surfaces, small bodies, and deep space destinations.

California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Export Voucher is sponsored by California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). This program reimburses small businesses for export promotion expenses. If a tea company is looking to expand its brand internationally through website globalization, e-commerce, or international trade shows, this grant covers up to 75% of pre-approved costs.

NIST SBIR FY 2026 Phase I NOFO offers up to $400,000 in funding for U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to conduct cutting-edge research and development. Focus areas include advanced communications, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum science, building technologies, and mathematics and statistics. This Small Business Innovation Research award supports early-stage R&D with strong commercialization potential in areas aligned with NIST's mission. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based small businesses meeting SBA size standards.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture. This federal program provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. In Maryland, it is often paired with state-level MEA incentives.

Mona Small Business Impact Grant is a ,000 unrestricted grant from Mona awarded to one small business making a meaningful impact on its community. The funding is flexible and can be used for hiring, equipment, inventory, launching new initiatives, or other business needs determined by the applicant. Eligible organizations must be for-profit or non-profit entities based in the United States with 30 or fewer full-time employees and less than million in gross revenue in 2025. The submission deadline is March 31, 2026, with winners notified between April 13 and April 24, 2026. Applicants are asked to share their business story, community impact, and how the grant will help expand their work.