Lifecycle Map

Schemes for every stage of the journey

Find programs aligned to where you are in your startup journey.

1

Ideation

You have an idea but no prototype or product yet

Startup-specific schemes

NSF I-Corps SBIR/STTR

Startup-relevant schemes

SBA Microloans QSBS RBDG VAPG Patent Pro Bono

2

Prototype / PoC

Idea validated; building or testing a prototype

Startup-specific schemes

SBIR/STTR NSF I-Corps B2S

Startup-relevant schemes

SBA Microloans R&D Payroll Offset QSBS USPTO Fee Reduction ARPA-E Patent Pro Bono

3

Seed / Early-Stage

Prototype done; entering market or scaling pilot

Startup-specific schemes

Startup-relevant schemes

SBA 7(a)SBA Microloans R&D Payroll Offset QSBS USPTO Fee Reduction Community Advantage ARPA-E

4

Growth / Scaling

Product in market; scaling operations and team

Startup-specific schemes

Startup-relevant schemes

SBA 7(a)SBA 504 EXIM WCGP Opportunity Zones QSBS Set-Asides APEX Accelerators SBIC NIST MEP REAP Manufacturing USA Clean Energy ITC GSA MAS 8(a) BD HUBZone

5

Market Access & IP

Ready to sell, export, or protect your innovation

Startup-specific schemes

Set-Asides APEX Accelerators

Startup-relevant schemes

EXIM WCGP USPTO Fee Reduction DOE OSBP GSA MAS 8(a) BD HUBZone Surety Bond Guarantee DOD Mentor-Protégé

Stages overlap in practice — a scheme listed under Prototype may still accept seed-stage applicants. Check each scheme's Who can apply section.