The following funding opportunities have been collected to ensure that these capital resources cover a breadth of startup and small business verticals. Please review and explore the relevant funding resources that best suits your situation.

Climate Tech Finance

Climate Tech Finance, in partnership with the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank offers loan guarantees up to $5M to bridge financial gaps between climate entrepreneurs needing working capital and commercial and community lenders.

iBank Jump Start Microloan Program

The Jump Start loan program can help start or grow businesses for entrepreneurs that may not qualify for loans at traditional lenders or other programs because they are often too new or too small.

IBank Expanding Access to Venture Capital Program

The program focuses on venture capital fund managers targeting fund sizes of at least $50 million. The program can also, on an opportunistic basis, co-invest directly in startups that have secured a lead investor in the current financing round (debt does not qualify).

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant

The SBIR and STTR Program is a highly competitive three-phase award system which provides qualified small business concerns with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet the specific research and development needs of the federal government.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant

The SBIR and STTR Program is a highly competitive three-phase award system which provides qualified small business concerns with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet the specific research development needs of the federal government.

California R&D Tax Credit

The California R&D Tax Credit is available to anyone performing qualified research activities.

Investor Database

This is an Airtable database that has been compiled to include information regarding VCs and the underrepresented groups that they are enabling via investments.

Accion International

Accion International is a global, non-profit micro-lender that connects low-income entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs of color, and women to affordable capital, educational resources, coaching, and business networks.

Founders First Capital Partners

Founders First Capital Partners offers flexible revenue-based investments for service companies led by minorities, veterans, and women founders, with a focus on preserving business ownership.

Business Consortium Fund

The Business Consortium Fund, Inc. exists to empower entrepreneurs by advancing equitable capital access for business owners of color.

America’s Seed Fund

America’s Seed Fund is powered by the National Science Foundation. Startups involved in technological areas are encouraged to submit a pitch that explains their innovation for a funding opportunity of up to $2M.

Sales Tax Exclusion Program

Eligible manufacturers planning to construct a new manufacturing facility or expand or upgrade a currently existing manufacturing facility may apply for a CAEATFA for an STE award.

California Competes Tax Credit

The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to business that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

NASE awards Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to members who are self-employed or leading microbusinesses. The grants provide funds for training, marketing, investing in hardware and software, and other growth enablers.

Kickstarter

Alternative form of funding via the donation-based crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Funders donate money in exchange for potential products, special pricing for items, or rewards from the funded projects.

Indiegogo

Indiegogo is an alternative form of funding via their donation-based crowdfunding platform.

Republic

Republic is an alternative form of funding via their crowdfunding platform. Republic is not donation-based, meaning that returns are expected to be paid out to investors.

Wayflyer

Wayflyer provides funding and insights to eCommerce businesses and charges a percentage fee depending on the amount of funding provided.

Sunstone does not administer, endorse, or assume liability of any outcomes relating to the provided resources. It is imperative that the necessary due diligence is conducted when assessing the potential of any resources for your own startup or business.