About this programme
The SBIR Bridge Loan is a product of MassDevelopment's Emerging Technology Fund (ETF), built for Massachusetts-based recipients of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. SBIR grants fund research and development at small businesses, but recipients typically wait three to nine months for grant milestone payments to arrive.
The bridge loan advances cash against those pending milestone payments so a company does not have to stall its work while it waits on the federal disbursement. Kevin M. Barry serves as Senior Vice President of the Emerging Technology Fund, which administers this loan.
How it works
Loans advance up to 90 percent of eligible SBIR grant milestone payments, up to $250,000.
Loan advances are repaid when the SBIR grant milestone payments are actually received from the federal government.
Who can apply
The company must be a Massachusetts-based recipient of a federal SBIR grant.
Frequently asked
What does the SBIR Bridge Loan actually bridge?
It advances cash against SBIR grant milestone payments that are typically three to nine months from being disbursed by the federal government.
How much can I borrow against my SBIR grant?
Up to 90 percent of eligible grant milestone payments, capped at $250,000.
When do I repay the advance?
When the SBIR grant milestone payments are received.
Who is eligible?
Massachusetts-based recipients of a federal SBIR grant.
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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.