How to Get Startup Grants: A First-Time Founder's Guide

Short summary

A practical guide to startup grants in 2026, covering federal R&D programs (SBIR/STTR up to $2.15M), private grants ($5K-$50K), and state/local options. The key insight is that funders back specific criteria, not 'startups' generally. The author recommends four free sources — Grants.gov, SBIR.gov, Hello Alice, and state SBDCs — and warns against paid grant databases.

• •Federal SBIR/STTR grants offer up to $2.15M with no equity or repayment
• •Private/corporate grants range $5K-$50K; state/local programs $5K-$100K with less competition
• •Use Grants.gov, SBIR.gov, Hello Alice, and state SBDCs — all free; avoid paid databases
• •Qualification depends on matching funder criteria, not startup quality alone

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