About this programme
America's Seed Fund: Iowa Program, also called the SBIR/STTR Outreach Program, helps Iowa companies win and use federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) runs it, and the goal is to boost innovation by helping Iowa companies obtain and apply for federal small business funding, across any industry.
Beyond the state matching grant, the program reviews a company's concept, helps with proposal writing, and covers 100% of third-party proposal writing costs.
How it works
Companies that win a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I award get a $50,000 state grant on top of the federal award. Phase II awardees get a $25,000 state grant upon federal contract submission, for up to $75,000 in total state support across both phases.
Phase I work covers feasibility studies through validated concepts; Phase II covers field testing, prototyping, and scaling.
Applications are reviewed on a continuous, rolling basis rather than on a fixed cycle.
Who can apply
The business must be a legally formed and registered Iowa-based company with fewer than 500 employees.
The company's work must focus on an innovative solution to a real-world problem; the program is industry-agnostic and open to any sector.
The company must have won, or be pursuing, a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II award.
How to apply
- Contact the program administrator, Anne McMahon at IEDA, to access the current application and confirm eligibility.
- Submit your concept for initial idea evaluation.
- Apply for the federal SBIR/STTR award, using the program's proposal writing assistance if needed (third-party proposal writing costs are covered at 100%).
- Once a federal Phase I or Phase II award is secured, receive the matching state grant.
Frequently asked
How much can I get from the state on top of my federal SBIR/STTR award?
$50,000 for a Phase I award and $25,000 for a Phase II award, for up to $75,000 in total state support.
Does the program help me write my federal proposal?
Yes. IEDA offers proposal writing assistance and covers 100% of third-party proposal writing costs.
Is there a deadline to apply?
No fixed deadline is stated; applications are reviewed on a continuous, rolling basis.
Does my company need to be in a specific industry?
No. The program is industry-agnostic and open to any Iowa company with fewer than 500 employees working on an innovative solution.
More funding in Iowa
Demonstration Fund
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), administered via VentureNet Iowa · Iowa
Iowa tech and bioscience companies can get up to $100,000 in loan or royalty financing to launch a market-ready product, with a 2:1 private match.
ESOP Feasibility Study Assistance
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) · Iowa
Iowa corporations exploring employee ownership get half the cost of a feasibility study reimbursed, up to $25,000, after the study and ESOP formation.
Innovation Acceleration Fund
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), administered via VentureNet Iowa · Iowa
Growth-stage Iowa tech, manufacturing or bioscience companies with real revenue can get $250,000 to $1,000,000, matched dollar for dollar.
Proof of Commercial Relevance
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), administered via VentureNet Iowa · Iowa
Iowa companies with a proven concept can get up to $50,000 in low-interest loans to validate their market before a commercial launch.
Global Insurance Accelerator
Global Insurance Accelerator · Iowa
Early-stage insurtech founders get a $50,000 cash investment for 5 percent equity plus a 100-day Des Moines mentorship program.
Innovation Fund Tax Credit
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) · Iowa
Investors get a 25 percent Iowa tax credit for cash put into certified venture funds that back early-stage, high-growth local companies.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.