Author: Amisha Prakash
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Not a US Citizen? You May Still Have a Path to US Government Funding
Amisha Prakash discusses the challenges and opportunities for non-U.S. founders seeking government funding. While SBIR/STTR programs are restrictive, many state programs and accelerators focus on location over ownership. Alternative funding routes include Education Savings Accounts and federal options that bypass ownership rules. Strategic planning is key for maximizing funding potential.
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Government Funding Isn’t Just for Big Tech: A Parent and Provider’s Guide to Education Savings Accounts
Every time I talk about government funding, people assume I mean R&D credits or defense contracts for deep tech companies. But one of the biggest, and least talked-about pots of public money in the country doesn’t go to corporations at all – It goes straight to families to use on educational needs! It’s called an…
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Your State May Pay for Your SBIR Proposal Consultant
If you’re preparing an SBIR or STTR proposal, you’ve probably already realized that developing a competitive submission takes a significant investment of time and expertise. Between interpreting the solicitation, building a compelling technical narrative, developing a commercialization strategy, preparing budgets, coordinating contributors, and ensuring compliance with agency requirements, proposal development is a substantial undertaking. What…
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There Is Another Way! Founders Don’t Need to Choose Between Equity and Sanity
The Meme A meme stopped me mid-scroll the other day because it captured something I hear from founders all the time, and something I have faced myself. There was a classic fork-in-the-road image. On one side: a fundraising round, with the warning “dilute your ownership.” On the other side: SAM.gov, with the warning “dilute your…
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Why Many Small Businesses Never Win Government Funding: They Never Apply
One of the biggest reasons small businesses do not win government funding is simple: they never apply. That may sound obvious, but it is a real barrier. Many startups and small businesses are strong candidates for government contracts, grants, SBIR/STTR programs, or other non-dilutive funding opportunities. They have relevant technology. They have real technical expertise.…
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Set-Aside Certifications: What They Are, What They’re Worth, and What to Do After You Have One
If you run a small business and you’ve heard the term ‘set-aside certification’ in govcon but aren’t entirely sure what it means or whether it applies to you – this post is for you. And if you’re already certified and wondering why the contracts still aren’t coming, keep reading. Set-aside certifications are one of the…
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What I would do differently: Hard-Won Strategic Advice for SBIR and Government Contract Applicants
“What would you do differently on your government contracts, and how would you be more strategic about them in hindsight?” A client asked me this question this week, and I suspect it’s one many founders have – whether they’re mid-submission or just starting to think seriously about government funding for the first time. I’ve personally…
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SBIR Is Back – And It’s Time to Start Planning Now
If you’ve been waiting on SBIR, I have good news: the programs are officially back. On April 13, 2026, the President signed S. 3971 – the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act – into law, reauthorizing both SBIR and STTR through September 30, 2031. After a six-and-a-half month lapse that started when the programs…
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New to Government Contracting? Here Are the Basics to Get Started
One of the most common things I hear from founders and technical leads when the topic of government contracts comes up is some version of: “We’d love to pursue it, but we don’t even know where to start.” And honestly, that’s a completely fair response. The barrier to entry in government contracting isn’t just about…
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From Aerospace to Proposal Arc: Why I Started Helping Companies Win Government Funding
For the past 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on complex aerospace programs, from multinational corporations to early-stage startups. A big part of that world involves government funding, SBIRs, and contracts that can make or break a company’s trajectory. Government contracts can provide non-dilutive funding and early revenue pre-production, it can accelerate your…
