Stacy L ChinFounder, KeepYourEquity · I get the government to write you checks

SBIR Grants: You Can Get Up To $30 Million!

21 Aug 2026 · 0 min

Watch on YouTube

0:24

In this brief explanatory segment, Stacy L. Chin clarifies common misconceptions about the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program’s funding levels. She highlights the newly introduced 2026 Strategic Breakthrough Awards, which can provide up to $30 million to qualifying projects—a significant increase over the traditional perception of SBIR as a source of only modest grants. She then advises that most founders should first pursue a Phase 1 SBIR award, which typically ranges from $200 k to $300 k, though amounts can be higher depending on the specific federal agency. The tone is enthusiastic and instructional, aiming to inform entrepreneurs about both the high‑end funding possibilities and the usual entry‑point amounts.

How much money can I ask for? Most founders think the SBIR program gives out small grants, and that's totally not true. You can now even secure up to $30 million in Strategic Breakthrough Awards, which is brand new in 2026. I know, I'm so excited. But before you get too buggy-eyed on those big dollars, most founders usually must go through Phase 1 as the entry point, and this usually goes anywhere from $200K to $300K, sometimes higher depending on the agency.