STTR Phase I and II(11 Federal Agencies) — R&D businesses pursuing technical work that genuinely requires a non-profit research institution partner (university, federal lab). Read reviewGet started at 11 Federal Agencies →
USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)(USDA Rural Development) — Small businesses physically located in USDA-defined rural communities (under 50,000 population) seeking equipment, rehabilitation, training, or tech assistance funding. Read reviewGet started at USDA Rural Development →
Bottom line
SBIR Phase I — Largest non-dilutive R&D grant — $50K–$295K for feasibility-stage technical ideas. Best for: For-profit U.S. businesses under 500 employees with an R&D project aligned to a participating agency's published topic areas.. Compare it against alternatives before applying; the right fit depends on your situation, credit, and goals.
Questions about SBIR Phase I
Who is SBIR Phase I best for?
It's geared toward for-profit U.S. businesses under 500 employees (including affiliates) with an R&D project aligned to a participating agency's published topic areas. It's not a fit for general operating expenses — the focus is feasibility-stage technical research.
How much can an SBIR Phase I award provide?
Phase I feasibility grants typically range from $50K to $295K, with the exact amount depending on the awarding agency. The funding is non-repayable and requires no equity.
Which agencies participate in SBIR Phase I?
Eleven federal agencies participate, including the DoD, NIH, NSF, DOE, NASA, and USDA, among others. Each agency runs its own solicitation calendar, so windows open multiple times per year across the program.
How much work does the SBIR Phase I application take?
Plan for roughly 20 to 40 hours minimum — it requires a technical narrative and a budget. Review cycles run about 3 to 8 months from application to award, depending on the agency.
What makes SBIR Phase I stand out among small business grants?
It's the largest non-dilutive R&D funding pool in the U.S. — no repayment and no equity given up. A Phase I win also creates a path to Phase II funding, which can reach $750K to $2M or more. ClearValue Lending is a platform that surfaces this information; confirm current topics and eligibility at sbir.gov.
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