Applications for grants worth up to $500,000 for small businesses are now open as Boston-based venture capital firm MassVentures is now accepting submissions for its SBIR Targeted Technologies Grants.
Offering between $100,000 and $500,000, START grants support the commercialization efforts of small Massachusetts companies, such as market validation, business development, and intellectual property strategy, according to a Monday press release from the state’s Executive Office of Economic Development.
In order to be eligible, businesses must have received either a Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II award, which are non-dilutive funding provided through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
MassVentures will grant 16 $100,000 grants, seven $200,000 grants, and three $500,000 grants, according to the firm’s website.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 23.
“START grants address one of the most persistent challenges facing deep tech founders: proving commercial viability before traditional capital becomes available,” MassVentures President and CEO Charlie Hipwood said in the release. “This program helps Massachusetts businesses validate their technologies, build teams, and hit the milestones needed to attract follow-on investment—keeping our state’s most promising innovations here in the commonwealth.”
Along with a capital investment, START grant recipients will be offered business guidance in industries including materials, quantum computing, AI, cleantech, and biotechnology.
In 2025, two Central Massachusetts companies received START grants: Eascra Biotech, a nanomedicine company out of Worcester, and Loop CO2, a bio-additives company in Marlborough, according to MassVentures.
“Supporting entrepreneurs at the earliest stages is critical to building a strong innovation economy,” Eric Paley, Massachusetts secretary of Economic Development and chair of the MassVentures Board of Directors, said in the release. “START grants provide founders in high-impact sectors with the resources they need to grow, hire, and succeed in Massachusetts—while advancing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Founded in 2012, START grants have provided $41.7 million in funding to 141 companies, supporting the creation of more than 3,300 jobs.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education industries.
