Navigating the Grant Landscape as a Solo For-Profit Innovator – Lessons & Questions

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Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a bit of my journey as a solo founder navigating the grant and funding ecosystem, in hopes it might resonate with others or spark a helpful discussion.

Recently, I reached out to SCORE for guidance on available grants for a solo for-profit business like mine, InterGemm. My original question was unfortunately misinterpreted, but thankfully, I received helpful clarification from an SBA agent who pointed me toward nonprofit resources—such as the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. This experience helped me understand something vital: most grants are designed for nonprofits, which explained why my previous grant applications, including those submitted via Grants.gov and my NSF SBIR application, were unsuccessful.

Rather than being discouraged, this realization became a catalyst for my participation in the Simpler.Grants.gov Collaborative Coding Challenge—an experience I truly valued and which ultimately led to the honor of receiving 2nd prize. Thank you again for that opportunity!

That said, I still have a burning question:
Does this mean there are no grant pathways available for solo for-profit founders like myself, especially those operating as or transitioning to a C Corporation like InterGemm Inc?

I’m fully committed to innovation, open collaboration, and creating tech solutions that improve grant accessibility. If anyone has recommendations on:

  • For-profit grant opportunities (especially for startups or solo founders)
  • Tips for preparing a stronger NSF SBIR/STTR application
  • Partnerships or incubators open to collaboration
    I’d be incredibly grateful.

Thanks for letting me share my story, and cheers to building more accessible funding solutions—together.

Best,
Bash
Founder, InterGemm
https://dot.cards/intergemm

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The SBA does not give grants to for profit businesses. However, there are some grant giving organizations that do give grants to for profit businesses such as USDA Rural Development Business Grants

Rural and agricultural developments and businesses can find funds here, as part of the USDA’s rural development efforts. These business grants are given to for-profit companies that are working in rural areas, improving a community, or assisting in the development of an area.

You will have a higher climb to find for profit grants for software development. In some cases you may be better off looking at contracting opportunities with the SBA which would go to for profit businesses.

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Hey @btabaska,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response and for pointing me to the USDA Rural Development Business Grants—I truly appreciate it!

You’re absolutely right: navigating grants as a solo for-profit innovator in the software space is a steeper climb, but insights like yours help clarify the landscape. I’ll definitely look into both the USDA programs and contracting opportunities with the SBA as potential pathways forward.

In the meantime, I’m continuing to refine my business structure and roadmap for InterGemm, including a transition from LLC to C-Corp to better align with funding models like SBIR/STTR. If you or anyone else here has experience with that transition or advice on combining grants, contracts, and collaborations effectively, I’d love to hear it!

Thanks again for your support and contribution to this conversation—it really helps keep the momentum alive!

Warm regards,
Bash (InterGemm)
https://dot.cards/intergemm

Best regards,

Bassirou Goumbane
CEO, InterGemm LLC
:telephone_receiver: (980) 499-5783
:e_mail: mgbn55@gmail.com
:pushpin: SBA DSBS InterGemm LLC Profile: https://dsbs.sba.gov/search/dsp_profile.cfm?SAM_UEI=QEVXPN44MMJ5