The federal innovation ecosystem is wider than many founders realize. America’s Seed Fund includes SBIR grants, STTR opportunities, Project Pitch pathways, agency-specific solicitations, and a separate program that often flies under the radar: the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC).
GAFC is not a startup grant. It funds accelerators and entrepreneurial support organizations so they can guide early-stage science and technology innovators, especially in underserved regions or high-priority technical areas. The 2025 GAFC round, as outlined on the America’s Seed Fund site, awarded seventy-five thousand dollars per organization, totaling five point seven million dollars across the U.S.
GAFC strengthens the infrastructure around innovators who seek non-dilutive funding. This means founders gain access to better-resourced accelerators, more capable mentors, and organizations that understand how to navigate the complex SBIR and STTR landscape. Many founders want to pursue SBIR or STTR but lack seasoned guidance. Accelerators, such as the Growth Accelerator Fund, provide valuable knowledge and guidance for emerging startups.
Your TL;DR: The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, a distinct initiative within America’s Seed Fund, awards resources to accelerators and ESOs that guide deep-tech startups toward SBIR and STTR success. This post explains what GAFC is, why it matters, and how founders and ESOs can position themselves for future rounds. https://www.americasseedfund.us/accelerators
What GAFC actually supports
The ecosystem behind deep-tech development
GAFC invests directly in the organizations that support startups rather than in the startups themselves. The America’s Seed Fund accelerator directory lists a broad range of ESOs, incubators, university hubs, and regional groups selected through GAFC to strengthen early-stage innovation capacity.
What these ESOs deliver
GAFC-funded groups commonly offer strategic advising, commercialization planning, technical feedback, navigation for SBIR and STTR, and connections to partners or capital. This creates more equitable access to federal research funding, especially for founders who lack established networks or prior federal experience.
Where the funding fits within America’s Seed Fund
GAFC sits alongside, not inside, core SBIR and STTR grants. It is an infrastructure investment program that makes the entire system work better. Founders access improved resources while ESOs receive funds to enhance their capacity. You may benefit from scanning the GAFC awardee directory to identify regional partners that align with your technology area.
The gap that emerges if innovators overlook GAFC
Many founders focus only on SBIR and STTR. This creates a disadvantage. Without strong accelerator support, proposals take longer, commercialization plans fall short, and reviewers may sense inexperience. GAFC exists to close that gap. Ignoring the program means losing access to organizations designed to make applications stronger and more competitive.
How founders and ESOs can act now
For founders
You can track which accelerators receive GAFC funding and seek guidance from those with proven capacity. This can improve your SBIR or STTR readiness, provide strategic clarity, and increase your competitiveness.
For ESOs and accelerators
You can evaluate how your current programming aligns with GAFC themes and prepare for the next competition cycle. Many ESOs apply repeatedly and refine their proposals based on emerging national priorities. If you want to understand how GAFC-funded ESOs fit into your funding strategy, EBHC can assist you with a structured assessment that clarifies next steps.
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GAFC is one of the most understated levers in the federal innovation ecosystem. It strengthens the organizations that founders rely on and expands access to crucial early-stage support. Innovators who pay attention to GAFC gain better guidance, clearer commercialization pathways, and stronger positioning for SBIR or STTR pursuits.
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