Startup USA Guide
Scheme Finder

Find your scheme in 5 questions

Answer the questions below in order. Each branch points you to the most relevant programs. You can appear in more than one branch.

The full decision tree

Prefer to see the whole thing at once? This is the complete official tree.

Q1 Are you a student, researcher, or aspiring founder without a registered company yet?

NSF I-Corps
No

You have (or are forming) a registered company. Continue below.

Q2 What is your current stage?

SBIR/STTRNSF I-CorpsB2S
Prototype and beyond: ready to build or sell
SBIR/STTRSBA MicroloansSBA 7(a)

Q3 What kind of support do you need most right now?

SBIR/STTRB2SR&D Payroll Offset
Working capital or equipment financing
SBA 7(a)SBA 504SBA MicroloansEXIM WCGP
Help winning government contracts
Set-AsidesAPEX Accelerators
Tax savings for you or your investors
QSBSOpportunity ZonesUSPTO Fee Reduction

Q4 Are you doing genuine technical R&D — a new or meaningfully improved product, process, or software?

SBIR/STTRR&D Payroll Offset
No

Most R&D-specific programs won't apply, but general small-business financing and tax provisions still might.

Q5 Do you or your business fall into one of these categories: woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, or located in a HUBZone?

Set-AsidesMBDA CentersSBA Microloans
No