The wider ecosystem
Government and community funding
Federal research awards, manufacturing help, loans and community lenders that fund companies on public terms.
Often a fit for: Technical teams with research to do, manufacturers, and owners who need a loan on understood terms.
Independent programs; no affiliation implied unless stated. Each entry was checked against the program’s own page in October 2026. Programs change; confirm details with the program before you apply.
8 programs
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SBIR and STTR (America’s Seed Fund)
Federal research and development awards to small businesses, in phases; Phase I runs about six to twelve months and Phase II about twenty-four.
- Who it is for
- U.S. small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential.
- Format
- Agency solicitations with their own deadlines and eligibility rules.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Researchers and scientists
Visit SBIR and STTR (America’s Seed Fund) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
A national network of centers that help small and mid-sized manufacturers with growth, workforce and supply chain challenges.
- Who it is for
- U.S. manufacturers.
- Format
- Local MEP centers in every state.
- Where
- Every U.S. state and Puerto Rico (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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SBA loan programs (7(a), 504, microloans)
Loans made by approved lenders and backed in part by the SBA, including 7(a), 504 and microloan programs.
- Who it is for
- Small businesses that meet SBA and lender requirements.
- Format
- Apply through a participating lender; each lender sets its own terms.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit SBA loan programs (7(a), 504, microloans) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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SBA Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs)
A program in which privately owned and operated investment funds are licensed by the SBA to invest in small businesses.
- Who it is for
- Small businesses seeking investment capital from a licensed fund.
- Format
- Each fund has its own focus and process.
- Where
- United States (Varies by location)
- Stage
- Launching, Growing, Scaling
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit SBA Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Grants.gov
The central place to find and apply for federal grant opportunities.
- Who it is for
- Organizations and businesses looking for federal grants.
- Format
- A searchable listing of opportunities; eligibility is set by each notice.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Open to all founders
Visit Grants.gov (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Kiva U.S.
Crowdfunded loans of $1,000 to $15,000 for small business owners, made with a zero-interest rate.
- Who it is for
- Small business owners, including those who have had trouble getting a loan.
- Format
- Apply online and share your story with lenders.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders
Visit Kiva U.S. (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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Accion Opportunity Fund
A nonprofit lender that makes small business loans and offers coaching.
- Who it is for
- Small business owners who face barriers to traditional financing.
- Format
- Apply online; loan terms vary.
- Where
- United States (Online)
- Stage
- Building, Launching, Growing
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders, Latino founders
Visit Accion Opportunity Fund (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
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ECDI
Microloans, business training and technical assistance, with programs for veterans and women.
- Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs in Ohio and nearby states, including immigrant and refugee business owners.
- Format
- A community development lender with local advisors.
- Where
- Ohio and neighboring states (In person and online)
- Stage
- Idea, Building, Launching
- Open to
- Under-resourced founders, Immigrant founders, Veterans and military families, Women
Visit ECDI (external site). Opens the program’s own site. Source: program page, retrieved October 2026.
Public research awards have their own guide: SBIR and STTR.
Ask before you join
- What are the eligibility rules and deadlines for this round?
- What reporting does the award or loan require after you receive it?
- How long from application to decision?
Other kinds of program
Join them. Then build for the long run.
Join them. WE works alongside, for the long run. Tell WE where your company is. A readiness review says plainly whether the work fits, and which of these programs would help most right now.
Every program here is independent. WE lists it because founders may want to consider it. No affiliation, partnership or endorsement is implied, and none is stated for any entry.
Start a readiness review
The application form asks about your company, your team and what you are building.