Each and every day, small businesses are helping to define our future—including the future of AI. Whether a small startup innovating AI through cutting-edge research, a tech firm developing new applications for AI for advanced manufacturing, or a small business commercializing novel AI technology for the energy sector—SBA offers resources and information that help to drive forward innovative small businesses. Tap into SBA’s diverse resource partner ecosystem and find the tools that work best for you.
America’s Seed Fund (SBIR and STTR Programs)
SBA powers the federal government’s innovative grant program – SBIR and STTR. The mission of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is to stimulate technological innovation in the U.S. economy through the investment of federal research and development (R&D) funds into innovative high-tech US small businesses. Similarly, the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) awards are made to small businesses that pursue technological innovation through cooperative research and development with non-profit scientific and educational research institutions.
Learn more about SBIR and STTR: About | SBIR
FAST Partnership Program
SBA funds state governments to support small businesses interested in America’s Seed Fund (SBIR and STTR) through the FAST program. The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program is a one-year funding opportunity for organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR (innovation)/STTR (research and development) proposals; increase the number of SBIR/STTR awards; and better prepare SBIR/STTR awardees for commercial success. FAST grants can also be used to develop AI-related research and development proposals to be considered for future SBIR/STTR awards. Grantees are approved by state Governor’s and are usually associated with universities, economic development organizations, and entrepreneurial centers.
Find out if your state has a FAST program here: FAST | SBIR
Regional Innovation Clusters (RICs)
SBA's Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) Initiative supports innovative small businesses and entrepreneur support organizations across the country. RICs build business support networks to help small businesses start and grow technology-focused businesses, including those building and leveraging AI. RICs can provide services like accelerators, incubators, market research, and government and commercial contracting assistance.
Want to work with an RIC? Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/regional-innovation-clusters
SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC)
The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) funds accelerator programs to help drive impactful and inclusive approaches that support innovative small businesses. By fostering connections between entrepreneurs, advisors, mentors, partners, philanthropies, corporations, investors, and other shared resources, GAFC helps build community and organizational capacity for the successful launch, growth, and scale of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-based entrepreneurs and startups, including those entrepreneurs and startups focused on AI.
Want to find a GAFC awardee in your industry or nearby? Learn more: SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (americasseedfund.us)
SBA’s federal contracting assistance programs help small businesses can compete for federal contracts, including contracts related to AI innovation, deployment, and more.
Learn more: Federal Contracting | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
National AI Research Resource pilot
The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) is a vision for a shared national research infrastructure for responsible discovery and innovation in AI. The NAIRR pilot brings together computational, data, software, model, training and user support resources to demonstrate and investigate all major elements of the NAIRR vision first laid out by the NAIRR Task Force.
Led by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with 10 other federal agencies and 25 non-governmental partners, the pilot makes available government-funded, industry, and other contributed resources in support of the nation's research and education community.
View the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot Webinar.
Learn more: National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot | NSF - National Science Foundation
NSF funding grant opportunities
The U.S. National Science Foundation offers hundreds of funding opportunities—including grants, cooperative agreements and fellowships, including for small businesses—that support research and education across science and engineering, including AI.
Learn more: Funding Search | NSF - National Science Foundation
AI-related patent information
If you are using AI to innovate new products or technologies, the U.S. Patent Office has published Guidance for AI-assisted Inventions that may help you determine if your invention can qualify for a patent.