As the federal SBIR/STTR programs remain paused pending congressional reauthorization, early-stage innovators are understandably concerned about being able to access capital.
While it is true that our nation’s most dependable non-dilutive capital for innovation and R&D is currently unavailable, the funding landscape is broader than a single program.
At ASBTDC, we continue to work alongside Arkansas science-driven startups and technology ventures, helping them take stock of other capital sources and helping them prepare strategically for a more diversified approach to early financing.
For example, investor attention continues shifting toward regions and sectors historically underserved by traditional venture capital models. Corporate innovation teams, in particular, are expanding their engagement with external founders as they search for new technologies, supply-chain resilience, sustainability solutions, and applied research capabilities.
For emerging companies, this can open opportunities through sponsored research partnerships, pilot projects, technical collaborations, proof-of-concept funding, and procurement relationships.
Arkansas Research Alliance programs support Impact grants for researchers who partner with local industry for applied research.
On the private-capital side, Northwest Arkansas’s Onward FX program has brought outside investors to the state, recently expanding their offerings with a well-attended event in Little Rock.
Many accelerators are also strengthening their capital offerings by blending curriculum, mentorship, and seed funding — a useful match for founders who need structured support while refining both their technology and their commercial strategy. For example, The Venture Center is leading lithium-focused development programs and also continues to offer its veterans accelerator.
For science and health-focused ventures, sector programs like HealthTech Arkansas and Fuel Accelerator provide a mix of curriculum, enterprise access, pilots, and investment connections without taking equity, helping founders refine both their technology and their commercial strategy.
In the public funds arena, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission provides several funding mechanisms for Arkansas-based science and technology innovators at various stages of development.
In addition, some researchers and clinicians are refocusing on R01 research solicitations that may also allow for small business entity applicants, for projects that have particular market potential and fit within current national funding priorities.
Others are finding new partnerships for consulting, teaching, or advising to supplement their current research.
For Arkansas entrepreneurs, this broader financing environment means there are still viable paths to move forward while the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs remain frozen.
Regional accelerators, orporate partners in agriculture, logistics, and health; community development finance institutions; foundation-backed innovation funds and industry clusters continue to invest in early-stage solutions with strong market potential.
To explore options for funding, contact ASBTDC Innovation Strategist Karen Bergh at kbergh@ualr.edu.