Startup USA Guide
Part B · Startup-relevant scheme

US Trade and Development Agency Project Preparation Funding (USTDA)

US Trade and Development Agency

Grant Growth / ScalingMarket Access & IP Energy & Clean TechManufacturing

USTDA funds feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects that help emerging-market infrastructure projects move toward financing while integrating US goods, services, and expertise.

Type of support
Grant
Best suited for
Growth / Market Access
Headline amount
Typically ~$500,000 (rarely over $1M)
How much
~$500,000 typical

Objectives

Advance overseas economic development while promoting US exports, by de-risking early project-preparation work that draws in US firms.

Who can apply?

  • US companies providing goods, services, or expertise relevant to a specific overseas infrastructure project.
  • Typically initiated in partnership with the host-country project sponsor requesting USTDA support.

What do you get?

  • Grants typically around $500,000, rarely exceeding $1 million.
  • Funds feasibility studies, technical assistance, and pilot projects.
  • Studies help host countries and lenders assess project viability, often leading to procurement of US goods and services.

How to apply

Host-country project sponsors (often with a US company partner) submit funding requests directly to USTDA.

Go to official portal