Grant Funding Is Still Strong – Despite DOGE’s Activities
In recent months, there has been speculation about the state of grant funding, with some questioning whether DOGE would cut research funding that has historically supported early-stage deep-tech startups. While shifts in policy and economic conditions can influence funding trends, grant funding remains a viable and powerful tool for fueling innovation—especially for startups that know how to identify and pursue the most strategic opportunities. For entrepreneurs seeking startup business grants, understanding the landscape is crucial to securing funding.
Grant Funding Remains a Priority
Federal, state, and private grant programs continue to allocate significant resources to support early-stage innovation. Some of the most active funding sources include:
SBIR/STTR Programs
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs continue to provide billions in funding annually. Agencies such as the NIH, NSF, DoD, and DOE remain committed to supporting early-stage technology development in areas such as healthcare, defense, energy, and, quite frankly, nearly any early-stage innovation with the potential to positively impact society. NSF grants, in particular, are a critical source of funding for startups in cutting-edge research fields.
Other Federal Programs
Beyond SBIR/STTR, federal initiatives are expanding R&D investments. Programs like ARPA-H (accelerating medical breakthroughs), the CHIPS and Science Act (advancing semiconductor and AI research), and Department of Defense BAAs (supporting dual-use technologies) offer additional funding opportunities for startups that understand where to look and how to leverage these resources. Startups actively seeking grants for startup ventures should explore these programs to maximize their chances of securing funding.
State and Regional Grants
State governments are increasing their investment in innovation, offering supplemental grants to companies working in priority industries. These programs provide additional non-dilutive funding beyond federal opportunities, ensuring that startups in key sectors continue to receive critical support. Many of these initiatives complement federal programs like SBIR funding, creating a broader ecosystem of financial support for emerging companies.
Private and Philanthropic Grants
Corporate R&D programs, foundation-backed grants, and industry-specific initiatives remain strong. Many private organizations actively fund early-stage companies that align with their strategic goals or mission-driven objectives. These sources of funding can be especially valuable for startups that do not yet meet the requirements of federal programs but still need capital to advance their innovations.
The Key: Identifying the Most Strategic Funding Sources
Securing grant funding starts with identifying the programs most likely to support your innovation. This requires evaluating two key factors:
- How well your technology aligns with the funding agency’s current priorities
- How similar your company is to past recipients of that program’s awards
Understanding these elements allows you to target the right opportunities and craft a compelling proposal that fits the funder’s objectives.
Apply Now to Take Advantage of Market Uncertainty
Now is an ideal time to apply. Many startups remain hesitant and may delay pursuing funding, reducing competition. For early-stage companies, grants continue to be one of the most effective ways to de-risk innovation without giving up equity. The funding remains available, and strong opportunities exist for those who know how to navigate the grant landscape.
Need Help Identifying Grant Opportunities?
If you don’t have time to explore grant funding on your own, book a consultation with our team. We will quickly identify the most strategic funding opportunities for you, helping you secure the non-dilutive capital you need to advance your innovation. Whether you’re looking for NSF grants, SBIR funding, or other startup business grants, Baginski & Wegner can help you find the right fit.