There are many different sources of funding available to advance your idea. The following details just some of the available resources. Check with us if you are looking for funding, and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / STTR
SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their potential. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's Research and Development (R&D) arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific R&D needs. STTR is an important small business program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development arena. Central to the program is expansion of the public/private sector partnership to include the joint venture opportunities for small business and the nation's premier nonprofit research institutions. STTR's most important role is to foster the innovation necessary to meet the nation's scientific and technological challenges in the 21st century.

Angel Investors
An angel investor is a person who invests in a business venture, providing capital for start-up or expansion. These individuals are looking for a higher risk and rate of return than would be given by more traditional investments. Angel investors are perceived of as "filling the gap" between the financing provided by family and friends and venture capitalists. Individual angel investors typically invest up to $150,000, but it's becoming increasingly common for angels to operate as part of an angel syndicate (a group of angel investors), which raises their potential investment level accordingly.

Venture Capitalists
A venture capitalist is a person who invests in a business venture, providing capital for the start-up phase and expansion.

Grants / Competitions
USC has developed of series of grant programs and competitions to help advance innovation inside and outside of the classroom.

Tech Coast Angels screening sessions
USC hosts Tech Coast Angel screening for USC innovators looking for the ‘fill the gap funding’ to get their company going.

Research Funding

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