GrantEquity-free United States
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Apply / official page ↗Typical funding
Stage One awards of about $75,000; Stage Two follow-on awards up to about $150,000 per ESO.
Maximum
$75,000 in Stage One and $150,000 in Stage Two per organisation.
Startup stage
Indirect support for early-stage and growth-stage startups via funded ecosystem organisations.
Sector focus
Lab-to-market commercialisation and capital formation in critical and emerging technologies (biotech, manufacturing, national security and more).
Overview
Cash awards for entrepreneur support organizations (accelerators, hubs, incubators) that build innovation-driven startup ecosystems in underserved regions, sectors and communities.
Who's eligible
Entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs) such as accelerators, incubators, universities and nonprofits proposing ecosystem-building initiatives aligned with GAFC themes.
How to apply
Submit Stage One application through SBA GAFC portal during the competition window; Stage One awardees may later apply for Stage Two scale-up awards.
Good to know
Not a direct startup grant, but critical for founders to discover funded ESOs and programmes in their region.