Technology-driven startups in Alaska face unique challenges—geography, limited local resources, and funding constraints. But thanks to the TREND Alaska program, early-stage innovators across the state now have access to targeted proposal preparation support for federal SBIR and STTR funding opportunities.
TL;DR
Alaska-based small businesses can receive up to $5,000 through TREND Alaska to support SBIR/STTR proposal development. Funds can cover activities like technical assistance, grant writing, and business development planning. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Alaskan innovators need structured support to compete nationally
SBIR and STTR programs offer a vital entry point to non-dilutive federal funding, but preparing a competitive proposal can be resource-intensive. For Alaskan founders navigating distance, limited networks, and access gaps, the process is even more complex.
TREND (Technology, Research, Education, and Development Center of Alaska) was created to address these gaps—and to equip local innovators with the tools and funding to compete nationally.
An Anchorage-based cleantech startup used TREND Alaska’s $5K grant to secure expert proposal review and market validation. That investment paid off, earning them a $200K NSF SBIR Phase I award, propelling their technology from concept to commercialization pathway.
Alaska SBDC offers $5,000 in SBIR/STTR support through TREND
The TREND Alaska program, run by the Alaska SBDC, provides up to $5,000 for eligible SBIR/STTR applicants to cover:
- Grant writing and proposal development assistance
- Business model refinement and R&D planning
- Technical consulting and compliance support
Funding is non-dilutive and accessible to any Alaskan small business pursuing an SBIR or STTR grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by Alaska SBDC staff.
Beyond funding, TREND also offers access to national R&D experts, networking opportunities, and hands-on guidance at every stage of your startup journey.
Build fundable proposals without draining limited resources
For most early-stage ventures, proposal development funding isn’t easy to come by. TREND helps Alaska startups bridge that gap, offering focused financial support at the exact moment it’s needed most. With this funding, founders can build stronger applications, validate their market fit, and engage expert reviewers—without sacrificing internal capacity.
The program is ideal for startups in the concepting or planning phase, especially first-time SBIR/STTR applicants.
Without early investment, promising innovations remain unfunded and untested
Every year, hundreds of innovative ideas in rural and underserved regions go unfunded—not because they lack merit, but because they lack proposal readiness. In Alaska, these missed opportunities are especially costly, as distance and cost often limit access to national funding opportunities.
TREND directly combats that challenge, creating a pipeline of fundable innovations from the state’s early-stage startup ecosystem.
Use TREND to elevate your federal proposal and grow your business
TREND is more than a grant—it’s an access point. By combining financial support with statewide technical assistance and strategic connections, TREND empowers founders to build compelling proposals, refine business strategies, and compete confidently for federal funding.
Applicants must be:
- A small business based in Alaska
- Actively preparing an SBIR/STTR proposal
- Willing to report progress and outcomes if awarded
The application process is simple and rolling, offering founders the flexibility to apply when their timeline aligns with federal deadlines.
Planning to submit an SBIR/STTR proposal? Apply for TREND funding now
Review the TREND Alaska program page to confirm eligibility and application requirements. If you’re designing your SBIR strategy and want support identifying consultants or aligning timelines, schedule a consult call with our team to map your next steps.
EB Howard helps early-stage companies turn regional resources into federal success
We’ve helped founders from coast to coast secure SBIR and STTR funding—with a focus on aligning local resources like TREND Alaska with national opportunities. If you’re based in Alaska and ready to compete for SBIR funds, this program is one of the smartest early investments you can make.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.