Startup Toolkit
Free credits, grants, tax breaks, and tools for founders. From idea stage to growth. Everything here is free or has a free tier.
SBA Loan Comparison
7(a), 504, Microloans, Express — side by side
SBIR/STTR Guide
$275K-$1.75M in non-dilutive govt funding
Equipment Tax Calculator
Section 179 vs Bonus Depreciation — see your savings
Cloud Credits
Free infrastructure to build on
AWS Activate — Portfolio
$10,000-$100,000 in AWS credits for startups affiliated with AWS partner organizations (accelerators, VCs, incubators). Valid for 1-2 years.
How: 1. Must be affiliated with an AWS partner accelerator, VC, or incubator 2. Apply through your partner organization 3. Credits scale based on stage and partner tier
Get it →Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
$1,000-$150,000 in Azure credits through graduated tiers based on startup milestones. Includes GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, and OpenAI API credits.
How: 1. Apply at startups.microsoft.com 2. Any stage startup can apply 3. Start at $1K tier 4. Unlock higher tiers as you hit milestones 5. Includes free tools beyond Azure
Get it →Google for Startups Cloud Credits
$2,000 (self-serve) to $100,000 (sponsored through partner) in Google Cloud credits. Includes access to technical training and Google mentorship.
How: 1. Visit cloud.google.com/startup 2. Apply online for self-serve ($2K) or through a partner for higher tiers 3. Provide startup details 4. Credits applied to GCP billing account
Get it →AWS Activate — Founders
$1,000 in AWS credits for self-funded startups. No VC or accelerator affiliation required. Valid for 2 years. Includes technical support credits.
How: 1. Create an AWS account 2. Go to aws.amazon.com/activate 3. Apply for Founders tier 4. Provide basic startup info 5. Credits applied within days
Get it →DigitalOcean Hatch
$10,000-$100,000 in DigitalOcean infrastructure credits for early-stage startups. Apply directly or through affiliated accelerators.
How: 1. Visit digitalocean.com/hatch 2. Apply with startup details or through an affiliated accelerator 3. Accepted startups receive credits and mentorship
Get it →Grants & Funding
Non-dilutive capital
SBIR Phase I Award
Small Business Innovation Research Phase I awards provide $275,000 for 6-12 months of feasibility research. Available from 11 federal agencies including NIH, NSF, DoD, DOE, NASA. Awarded competitively 3x/year.
How: 1. Register at SAM.gov and get a UEI number 2. Create an account at SBIR.gov 3. Review open solicitations from participating agencies 4. Submit a Phase I proposal (typically 15-25 pages) 5. Award decisions take 3-6 months
Get it →NSF SEED Fund (formerly SBIR)
NSF America's Seed Fund awards $275,000 Phase I grants for deep-tech startups in AI, quantum, biotech, advanced manufacturing, and more. NSF is the most startup-friendly SBIR agency with no prior federal contracts required.
How: 1. Review NSF SEED Fund technology topics at seedfund.nsf.gov 2. Submit a 4-page Project Pitch first (rolling basis) 3. If invited, submit full Phase I proposal 4. Decisions in ~4 months
Get it →SBIR Phase II Award
Continuation funding for successful Phase I awardees. Provides $1,000,000+ over 2 years for full R&D of the proposed innovation. Some agencies offer Phase II enhancements up to $2M.
How: 1. Successfully complete SBIR Phase I 2. Submit Phase II proposal to the same agency 3. Demonstrate technical feasibility and commercial potential 4. Typically due 6-12 months after Phase I completion
Get it →Grants.gov (Federal Grant Portal)
The official portal for all federal grant opportunities — over 1,000 active programs at any time from 26 agencies. Free to register and apply. Comprehensive search and automated notifications.
How: 1. Register at grants.gov (free) 2. Search by keyword, agency, or eligibility 3. Set up email alerts for matching opportunities 4. Apply directly through the portal using Workspace
Get it →NIH SBIR/STTR Program
NIH SBIR/STTR is the largest single source of early-stage biotech funding. Phase I up to $275K for 6-12 months. Phase II up to $1.75M for 2 years. Covers therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health, and medical devices.
How: 1. Identify the relevant NIH institute (NCI, NHLBI, NIAID, etc.) 2. Review NIH SBIR/STTR funding opportunity announcements 3. Register at eRA Commons 4. Submit via ASSIST/Grants.gov 5. Three receipt dates per year: Jan 5, Apr 5, Sep 5
Get it →SBIR/STTR Federal Grants
Federal agencies set aside 3.2% (SBIR) and 0.45% (STTR) of R&D budgets for small businesses. Phase I: $50K-$275K (feasibility). Phase II: $500K-$1.5M (development). 11 participating agencies. Total annual funding: ~$4 billion+.
How: 1. Register at SBIR.gov 2. Search open solicitations by agency 3. Prepare proposal (typically 15-25 pages) 4. Submit by deadline 5. Review period: 3-6 months
Get it →Y Combinator Startup School (Free)
Free 7-week online program from the world's top accelerator. Includes curriculum, group sessions, $500K deal on cloud credits from partners, and potential for YC interview. No equity taken.
How: 1. Apply at startupschool.org (free, open enrollment) 2. Complete weekly curriculum and updates 3. Participate in group sessions with other founders 4. Access $500K+ in partner deals from AWS, Stripe, etc.
Get it →SCORE Free Mentoring
SCORE provides FREE one-on-one mentorship from 10,000+ volunteer business experts. Online and in-person sessions covering business planning, marketing, finance, operations, and technology. SBA-funded.
How: 1. Visit score.org 2. Request a mentor by topic and industry 3. Schedule free virtual or in-person sessions 4. Also attend free or low-cost workshops and webinars
Get it →DOE SBIR/STTR Program
Department of Energy SBIR/STTR funds cleantech, energy storage, grid modernization, nuclear, renewable energy, and climate tech. Phase I $200K-$275K, Phase II up to $1.6M.
How: 1. Review DOE SBIR/STTR topics at science.osti.gov/sbir 2. Register at SAM.gov 3. Submit proposal through DOE's PAMS system 4. Two solicitation cycles per year
Get it →Techstars Startup Programs
Techstars runs 40+ accelerator programs worldwide. Selected companies receive $120,000 investment ($20K + $100K convertible note), mentorship, and $1M+ in partner perks from AWS, Google, Notion, etc.
How: 1. Browse Techstars accelerator programs by industry and location 2. Apply online (rolling applications) 3. Top 1% of applicants accepted 4. 3-month intensive program culminating in Demo Day
Get it →Tax Credits
Money back from the IRS
R&D Tax Credit (IRC Section 41)
Federal R&D Tax Credit provides dollar-for-dollar tax reduction for qualified research expenses. Startups with <$5M revenue can claim up to $500,000 against payroll taxes (FICA). Established businesses claim against income tax.
How: 1. Identify qualifying research activities (4-part test: permitted purpose, technological uncertainty, process of experimentation, technological in nature) 2. Track qualified research expenses (wages, supplies, contractor costs) 3. File IRS Form 6765 with your tax return 4. Startups elect payroll tax credit on Form 8974
Get it →Section 179 Deduction
Deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software in the year of purchase instead of depreciating over time. 2024 limit: $1,220,000. Covers vehicles, computers, machinery, software, and office furniture.
How: 1. Purchase qualifying equipment/software during the tax year 2. Equipment must be used >50% for business 3. Elect Section 179 on IRS Form 4562 4. Deduction cannot exceed business income (carryforward available)
Get it →FICA Tip Credit (Section 45B) for Restaurants
Restaurants can claim a tax credit for the employer portion of FICA taxes paid on employee tips above minimum wage. For a restaurant with 15 tipped employees, this can save $15,000-$30,000+ per year.
How: File IRS Form 8846 with your business tax return. Credit equals employer share of Social Security and Medicare taxes on tips exceeding minimum wage.
Get it →Restaurant Equipment Depreciation (Section 179)
Deduct the full cost of restaurant equipment (ovens, refrigerators, POS systems) in the year purchased instead of depreciating over time. Up to $1.22M in 2026.
How: List qualifying equipment on IRS Form 4562. Consult your CPA for restaurant-specific items.
Get it →Self-Employment Health Insurance Deduction
Self-employed service providers can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums for themselves and family. This is an above-the-line deduction — reduces AGI.
How: Deduct premiums on Form 1040 line 17. Must not be eligible for employer-sponsored plan.
Get it →Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credit
Small employers who pay at least 50% of employee health insurance premiums can claim a tax credit of up to 50% of premiums paid (35% for tax-exempt employers). Must purchase through SHOP Marketplace.
How: 1. Verify eligibility: fewer than 25 FTE employees, average wages under $58,000 2. Purchase coverage through SHOP Marketplace at healthcare.gov/small-businesses 3. Pay at least 50% of employee-only premiums 4. Claim on IRS Form 8941
Get it →Qualified Opportunity Zone Tax Benefits
Invest capital gains in Qualified Opportunity Zones for tax deferral until 2026, plus 10% basis step-up. Investments held 10+ years pay zero capital gains tax on QOZ appreciation. Over 8,700 designated zones.
How: 1. Identify a Qualified Opportunity Zone at opportunityzones.hud.gov 2. Invest capital gains within 180 days into a Qualified Opportunity Fund 3. Self-certify the fund by filing IRS Form 8996 4. Hold investment 10+ years for maximum benefit
Get it →Section 199A QBI Deduction
20% deduction on qualified business income for pass-through entities (sole proprietors, S-corps, partnerships). Reduces effective tax rate by ~20% on business income.
How: 1. Operate as pass-through entity 2. Calculate qualified business income 3. Claim on individual tax return 4. Most tax software handles this automatically
EV Tax Credit for Business Vehicles (Section 45W)
Businesses can claim up to $7,500 for qualifying clean vehicles under 14,000 lbs or up to $40,000 for commercial vehicles over 14,000 lbs. No income limits for businesses. No manufacturer cap.
How: 1. Purchase or lease a qualifying clean vehicle for business use 2. Vehicle must be used primarily for business 3. Claim credit on IRS Form 8936 4. Credit equals 15% of basis (used) or 30% of basis (new), up to caps
Get it →Vehicle Deduction for Service Businesses
Service businesses using vehicles (landscaping trucks, cleaning vans, delivery) can deduct mileage ($0.67/mile in 2026) or actual expenses. Trucks over 6,000 lbs GVWR get bonus Section 179.
How: Track all business miles with an app (MileIQ, Everlance). Choose standard mileage or actual expense method.
Get it →Free Tools
Build without paying
Google Business Profile (Free)
Free business listing on Google Maps and Search. Show hours, photos, reviews, website, menu. Drives foot traffic — 84% of people find local businesses through Google.
How: Go to google.com/business, verify your business location. Takes 5-14 days for postcard verification.
Get it →Wave Accounting (Free)
Completely free accounting software for small businesses. Invoicing, receipt scanning, financial reports, unlimited income/expense tracking. No credit card required.
How: Sign up at waveapps.com. Free forever for accounting, invoicing, and receipts. Payment processing has per-transaction fees.
Get it →Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits
$10,000/month in free Google Search Ads for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits. That is $120,000/year in advertising value.
How: 1. Register at google.com/nonprofits 2. Verify 501(c)(3) status through TechSoup 3. Apply for Google Ad Grants 4. Set up campaigns with $10K/mo budget
Get it →Mercury Business Banking (Free)
Free business checking account with no fees, no minimums. Includes virtual cards, team accounts, and integrations with accounting software. FDIC insured.
How: Apply at mercury.com. Requires EIN and business documentation. Most approved within 1-2 days.
Get it →SCORE Free Business Mentoring
Free mentoring from 10,000+ retired executives through SCORE, a nationwide SBA resource partner. Covers business planning, marketing, finance, legal, and operations.
How: 1. Visit score.org 2. Find a local SCORE chapter 3. Request a mentor online 4. Meet in person or via video 5. Ongoing relationship
Get it →Carrd Website Builder (Free)
Build a simple, professional one-page website for free. Perfect for a business landing page, menu, or portfolio. Pro is $19/year for custom domains.
How: Sign up at carrd.co. Build and publish a one-page site in under an hour. Free plan allows 3 sites.
Get it →Mailchimp Free Plan
Free email marketing for up to 500 contacts and 1,000 sends/month. Includes email builder, basic templates, and signup forms.
How: Sign up at mailchimp.com. Free plan includes core features. Upgrade when you pass 500 contacts.
Get it →Wave Free Accounting Software
Completely free accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning. Replaces QuickBooks ($30-$200/mo). Full double-entry bookkeeping with no limits on transactions or users.
How: 1. Sign up at waveapps.com (free) 2. Connect bank accounts 3. Import transactions 4. Set up invoicing 5. Run financial reports
Get it →Mercury Free Business Banking
Free business banking with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, integrated accounting views, and API access. Designed for startups and tech companies.
How: 1. Apply at mercury.com 2. Provide EIN and business documentation 3. Account opened in 1-2 business days 4. Free ACH, wires, and cards
Get it →HubSpot CRM — Free Forever
Free CRM with unlimited contacts, deals, tasks, email tracking, meeting scheduling, and live chat. No limits on users. Replaces $50-$100/mo CRM tools.
How: 1. Sign up at hubspot.com (free) 2. Import contacts 3. Set up deal pipeline 4. Connect email 5. Start tracking
Get it →Accelerators
Funding + mentorship
SBDC (Small Business Development Centers)
Free business consulting and training through 1,000+ SBDC locations nationwide. SBA-funded. Services include business plans, financial projections, marketing strategy, loan package preparation. Completely free.
How: Find your nearest SBDC at sba.gov/local-assistance. Schedule a free appointment. No cost, no equity, no obligation. Funded by SBA.
Get it →Techstars
3-month accelerator with $120K investment for 6% equity. Programs in 15+ cities worldwide. Industry-specific tracks: fintech, healthtech, energy, retail. Strong mentor network.
How: Apply at techstars.com. Choose a program that matches your industry. Rolling applications for most programs.
Get it →Y Combinator
Top startup accelerator. $500,000 investment ($125K for 7% equity + $375K on uncapped SAFE). 3-month program with Demo Day and unmatched network.
How: 1. Apply at ycombinator.com 2. Applications open twice yearly (roughly March and September) 3. Interview in Mountain View or virtual 4. 3-month batch program
Get it →500 Global
4-month accelerator. $150K investment for 6% equity. Global focus with programs in US, Asia, MENA. Strong for international founders and emerging market startups.
How: Apply at 500.co. Programs have specific geographic and thematic focuses. Rolling admissions.
Get it →MassChallenge (Zero Equity)
Accelerator with ZERO equity taken. Free mentoring, resources, and up to $100K in awards. Programs in Boston, Texas, Mexico, Israel, and Switzerland.
How: 1. Apply at masschallenge.org 2. Select program location/track 3. If accepted, attend 3-4 month program 4. Compete for award funding
Get it →Disclaimer
Credit amounts, free tiers, and program details change frequently. Always verify on the official website before making business decisions. This is not financial or legal advice.