Cornerstone guide
SBIR and STTR for veteran founders
27 federal non-dilutive capital programs relevant to veteran startup founders, including SBIR, STTR, DoD innovation vehicles (AFWERX, Army xTech, NavalX, DIU, NSIN), and adjacent agency opportunities.
SBIR Phase I proves feasibility. Phase II funds development. Phase III commercialization. The right sequence depends on your customer and your capital plan. This guide is the map.
Programs to know
Click any card for the specific solicitation cycle, eligibility, and application mechanics. SBIR windows open and close year-round across agencies.
U.S. Air Force
Small businesses; Open Topic and Direct-to-Phase-II paths.
U.S. Air Force
Phase I SBIR awardees showcasing for follow-on Phase II + customer access.
U.S. Federal Agencies
Varies by agency; covers all 11 SBIR/STTR participating agencies.
U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Small Business Programs
Any U.S. small business seeking federal, state, or local government contracts. Not vet-specific but heavily used by SDVOSBs.
U.S. Army
Small businesses solving Army challenges; non-traditional defense contractors encouraged.
DIU (DoD)
Commercial companies solving DoD problems; non-traditional contractor pathway.
Defense Innovation Unit
Commercial companies with deployable tech; rapid prototyping.
BMNT + DoD + Universities
Student teams at participating universities solving DoD problems; commercialization paths post-course.
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Saint Joseph's University
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
IVMF (Syracuse University) + UCLA Anderson School of Management
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
IVMF (Syracuse University) + University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS/EPIIC)
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
IVMF (Syracuse University) + University of Connecticut
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
IVMF (Syracuse University) + University of Missouri
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
IVMF (Syracuse University) + Wright State University
Post-9/11 U.S. military veterans with honorable discharge (or currently serving within 180 days of separation, or National Guard/Reserve who served post-9/11). Applicants must be in the early start-up phase (within 12-24 months of launching or with a strong concept close to launch).
U.S. Navy
Small businesses solving Navy operational problems.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal members (vets, families, DoD civilians).
National Security Innovation Network
Founders new to defense ecosystem.
National Security Innovation Network
Early-stage dual-use startups; cohort-based.
U.S. Small Business Administration + DoD Transition Assistance Program
Transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. Delivered as part of the DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) on military installations worldwide.
Department of Energy
Small businesses developing energy/clean tech.
NASA
Small businesses developing aerospace and space technology.
National Institutes of Health
Small businesses developing biomedical / health technologies.
National Science Foundation
Small businesses developing deep tech / commercial science applications.
Department of Defense
Small businesses (<500 employees) with majority US ownership; Phase I funds feasibility studies.
Department of Defense
Phase I awardees with demonstrated feasibility.
Multiple federal agencies
Small businesses partnered with research institutions (university, federal lab); 30%+ work at research institution.
Warrington College of Business at University of Florida (Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation)
Honorable discharge (or separating) veterans with EITHER a VA/DoD service-connected disability rating OR service-distinguished status based on exemplary conduct. Not open to all veterans. Selective.
Monday Deadlines
SBIR windows, Phase I opens, and Pitch Day cycles this week. Every Monday at 6am ET. Free.