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Program

USDA SBIR Phase I

Provides seed grants to small businesses solving agricultural science and rural community challenges.

USDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureUnited StatesGrant
About

USDA SBIR Phase I is NIFA's entry-level competition for small businesses tackling scientific problems in agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural communities. USDA runs the program on a single-agency basis through NIFA, and the awards are based on scientific and technical merit rather than on loans or startup assistance. The program is built for investigator-initiated ideas, with 10 broad t…

Industries covered
AgritechBiotechClimate TechEnergy TechFood Tech
Grants under USDA SBIR Phase I

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.

USDA SBIR Phase I
Between cycles

Supports United States small agricultural businesses with feasibility grants for new technologies in food systems and farm operations.

$15.5M pool
Last verified: 1 Jun 2026Source: www.nifa.usda.gov