The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research & Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. For more information on the SBIR/STTR programs, go to America’s Seed Fund website.

Boost is for startups working on or with a minimum viable product (MVP) who are ready to scale and grow.

Bronze Valley, a non-profit, early-stage venture investment platform supporting high-growth innovation and technology-enabled companies, is part of Gener8tor, a national start-up accelerator company.

CO.Starters aims to equip new entrepreneurs with the tools needed to turn business plans into action using lean business model methods.

The HICA Community Economic Development Program provides resources for Latino and immigrant families interested in small business development, micro-lending, and women-led entrepreneurship.

Innovate Alabama, Alabama's first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, has programs specifically focused on providing enterpreneurs with inventives and resources to help grow their businesses.

Magic City Match provides access to capital, coaching, and market opportunities for Black businesses in Birmingham.

Prosper HealthTech Accelerator works to further equity in health tech, with a particular focus on Birmingham’s Black community and/or women.

The Station 41 Accelerator, based at Southern Research, provides non-dilutive funding to advance new drug, biologic, or diagnostic products.

The Station 41 Incubator provides state-of-the-art biotech lab space and equipment for life science companies.

The Station 41 Therapeutics Development Fund provides technical and entrepreneurial support for companies advancing preclinical products.

Techstars Alabama focuses on start-ups addressing innovative electrical and utility solutions.

Vision ID is a free 7-day online course to help prospective entrepreneurs understand how to launch a start-up or small business.

Voltage is a part-time incubator, a six-week program that helps founders assess the viability of their start-up ideas.

Alabama Capital Network (ACN) is a community economic development organization facilitating growth in Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. ACN supports Alabama’s most promising innovators through a member network of entrepreneurs, investors, advisors, service providers, and corporations. See the opportunities available through ACN.

The Alabama Futures Fund is a seed-stage venture capital fund focused on supporting and growing entrepreneurial activity and economic development in Alabama. Find more info on funding for early-stage start-ups.

First Avenue Ventures (FAV) is a private incubator dedicated to growing Birmingham organizations. The organization helps local entrepreneurs and start-ups with strategy, accountability, marketing and financing. Explore FAV’s resources.