Learning how to win government contracts can be a massive challenge, especially for small businesses, those seeking funding for the first time, or even those looking to scale their existing fundraising efforts.

Some government contracts are naturally more accessible and easier to win than others, offering significant opportunities for companies that know where to look. These contracts provide the crucial funding needed to drive innovation and growth and consistently bring exciting new products to market without sacrificing too much equity.

Depending on your niche, there are plenty of options, from non-dilutive funding for tech startups to grants for energy innovations and ag-tech advancements. By understanding the requirements and benefits of each, you can strategically pursue the contracts that align with your company’s goals and maximize your chances of success.

Let’s take a look at the ten easiest government contracts to win.

1. Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Funding

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are key funding sources for small businesses that are actively engaged in research and development.

They provide non-dilutive funding (meaning you don’t sacrifice your equity) across several different industries including defense, energy and healthcare. These programs are well-suited for companies aiming to take R&D projects from an initial concept to the market, especially for startups running lean but with innovative technologies to share.

Phase I grants usually focus on feasibility studies for new tech, while Phase II grants support more extensive development opportunities. The programs also encourage commercialization, helping businesses bring innovation to market with ‘follow-on’ funding opportunities.

Easy Reason: 

Small businesses are the focus of SBIR/STTR programs, with a mandate to fund innovative companies that may have little financial backing. The programs intentionally reduce barriers to entry: the application guidelines are clear, there are multiple funding phases, and there is strong congressional support. All of these factors increase the total available funding.  

2. Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Funding

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program funds high-risk but high-reward energy innovations that have the potential to significantly improve the energy landscape in the US. ARPA-E is especially interested in breakthrough tech that can transform the ways we generate, store, and use energy. 

Funding is competitive and focused on transformative tech that can improve efficiency, reduce emissions, or introduce new or unique forms of sustainable energy. Projects often range from renewable energy innovations to energy storage and grid technology advancements, making it perfect for ambitious energy tech startups. 

Easy Reason:

ARPA-E seeks out high-risk, high-reward projects, meaning they are open to funding ambitious ideas that may still need to be fully proven. For startups and small businesses with bold, transformative energy solutions, this focus on big ideas rather than established results lowers the barrier to entry. The program’s emphasis on pushing boundaries aligns well with innovative startups that might struggle to get traditional funding.

3. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Grants

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) works to accelerate the adoption of commercial technology within the U.S. military. DIU supports various dual-use technologies that have applications in both military and commercial markets.

DIU grants are ideal for startups and businesses developing tech in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, autonomous systems, or space technologies. DIU’s streamlined contracting process (known as Commercial Solutions Openings, or CSOs) allows for faster contract awards than traditional military procurement, naturally making it more accessible for smaller companies.

Easy Reason: 

DIU is committed to quickly integrating commercial technology into the military, meaning it operates on a faster and more flexible contracting process than traditional military procurement. They often work directly with companies to refine proposals to fit military needs, making it easier for businesses to navigate the application process. Dual-use technology that has both military and commercial applications is a core focus, broadening the range of qualifying projects.

4. National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Grants

The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers SBIR/STTR grants for small businesses that want to develop cutting-edge innovations in categories such as AI, robotics, advanced materials, and biotechnology. 

NSF SBIR/STTR grants focus on high-impact, transformative tech with potential for significant scientific and societal benefits. These grants are perfect for companies that aim to push the boundaries of what’s currently technologically possible.

They offer non-dilutive funding and mentorship to help move concepts through the ‘proof-of-concept’ stage through to full commercialization. 

Easy Reason: 

The National Science Foundation’s SBIR/STTR programs are particularly welcoming to deep-tech startups and research-driven companies. They offer flexible funding opportunities that cater to high-impact ideas without requiring proof of a well-established market. The program's non-dilutive nature is particularly attractive for early-stage startups, and its focus on scientific innovation encourages applications from companies in niche fields.

5. National Institute of Health (NIH) Small Business Grants

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides grants designed for small businesses in the health and life sciences sectors. NIH funding supports everything from early-stage research and development to later-stage clinical trials, making it an excellent fit for med-tech, biotech, and pharma companies.

NIH’s SBIR/STTR program offers several different funding arms, including Fast-Track and Direct-to-Phase II grants, both of which allow companies to move faster through the development process. NIH small business grants are ideal for companies working on innovative medical devices, therapeutics, diagnostics, or digital health solutions.

Easy Reason: 

Because the NIH aims to accelerate health and life sciences advancements - providing a variety of grant types to support companies at different stages - the sheer volume of funding NIH allocates annually for small businesses, coupled with the agency’s goal to foster medical innovation, creates a wide range of funding opportunities. 

Projects aligning with pressing public health needs or novel medical technologies often find a more straightforward path to securing these grants.

6. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Contracts

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) provides contracts for companies with groundbreaking technologies that could significantly impact national security. Areas of interest for these contracts include AI, cybersecurity, aerospace, and advanced materials. 

DARPA is known for its emphasis on "high-risk, high-reward" projects that push technological boundaries. It’s an ideal funding source for ambitious companies developing technology with disruptive potential. These contracts often include additional support in terms of access to facilities and expert mentorship which further aids in the development of your project.

Easy Reason:

DARPA is known for taking risks on next-generation technologies that could drastically impact national security. The agency actively seeks out innovative projects, and its willingness to fund early-stage R&D, even when outcomes are uncertain, makes the application process more manageable for startups. DARPA’s focus on "moonshot" ideas often gives companies more freedom to propose unconventional solutions.

7. Department of Energy (DOE) Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF)

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Technology Commercialization Fund supports partnerships between private companies and national laboratories to cultivate and bring lab-developed energy technologies to the public markets.

The TCF is ideal for companies working on innovations in clean energy, energy efficiency, grid reliability or similar ideas. Acceleration of the commercialization process is the core purpose of this fund, providing matching funding for companies that collaborate witah DOE labs on R&D projects. 

Easy Reason:

The TCF prioritizes projects that partner directly with national labs, creating a pathway for companies to access technical expertise and facilities. The matching-funds requirement means companies don’t have to bear the full cost of commercialization, making it easier for startups with limited runway to pursue funding. Additionally, the program’s goal of rapidly bringing lab-developed technologies to the market favors companies with innovative energy solutions. 

8. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Innovation Center Program 

The Agriculture Innovation Center Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, supports agricultural innovation by funding projects that improve agricultural production, processing, or distribution. 

The program is ideal for ag-tech startups focused on sustainable farming, food security, precision agriculture, or related technologies that can benefit the agricultural business sector. 

Easy Reason:

The USDA’s Agriculture Center Innovation Program specifically targets rural and agricultural businesses, aiming to enhance the economic viability of small farmers and ag-tech companies. There is a strong emphasis on providing technical assistance and support, making it accessible for companies that may lack experience in navigating the complex federal funding processes.

The focus on practical agricultural improvements aligns well with early-stage ag-tech startups.

9. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) SBIR/STTR Program

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) SBIR/STTR program supports small space-related research and development businesses. If you’re developing technology that can benefit space exploration or has a broader aerospace application, NASA’s funding can help bring that project to life.

The areas of interest for this program include propulsion systems, advanced materials, robotics, autonomous systems, and more. Projects must have a clear commercial potential beyond just serving NASA’s needs to be eligible for consideration.

The NASA SBIR/STTR program often involves partnerships with NASA centers, offering unique opportunities for businesses to collaborate with top space researchers.

Easy Reason: 

NASA's SBIR/STTR program encourages small businesses to tackle technological challenges with potential space or broader aerospace applications. Because the agency prioritizes projects with both NASA-specific and commercial applications, companies can secure funding even if their innovations are at an early development stage. The clear alignment with NASA’s ongoing missions makes applicants' selection criteria more transparent.

10. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build to Scale (B2S) Program

The Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Build to Scale (B2S) program supports tech startups and innovation-driven businesses that aim to contribute to local or regional economic growth.

B2S grants support scaling startups, technology commercialization efforts, and programs that improve innovation ecosystems. These grants are ideal for businesses that are ready to grow and make a substantial economic impact.

The program funds various activities, from entrepreneurship training to funding accelerators and startup competitions.

Easy Reason:

The Build to Scale program spurs regional economic growth by supporting tech startups and innovation-based businesses. The program frequently collaborates with local economic development organizations to identify suitable candidates, creating a supportive ecosystem for applicants. 

Its goal to promote job creation and innovation at a local level means that companies aiming to scale with a clear regional impact often find easier pathways to securing grants.

In Conclusion

These ten government funding opportunities provide accessible entry points for startups and small businesses seeking to innovate and grow. Of the funding opportunities, they are the ten easiest government contracts to win. Programs like SBIR/STTR, ARPA-E, and DIU offer non-dilutive funding focusing on groundbreaking research, energy innovations, and dual-use technologies. 

Meanwhile, agencies such as DARPA and the NIH provide support for high-risk, high-reward projects in areas like national security and life sciences, enabling companies to push technological boundaries and accelerate their development processes.

By strategically targeting the right funding sources, businesses can increase their chances of winning contracts that align with their goals and industry focus. From energy and aerospace to health and agriculture, these programs reduce financial barriers and provide resources like mentorship and technical partnerships. 

This approach empowers startups to bring transformative solutions to the market, driving company growth and broader economic impact.

To learn more about how Gallium Solutions helps you eliminate the confusion and frustration surrounding the application process for federal funding and help you obtain what you deserve, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.

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