This is where most builders start. You have a novel idea, but need support to bring it to life. Most developers who have participated in our hackathons or Developer Relations programs end up here to fund their first big idea.

For pre product market fit founders and small teams experimenting with novel use cases. A prototype, technical spec, early user research, or meaningful community traction proves you're serious.

Who Should Apply:

First-time founders with relevant skills who are pivoting into Stacks with a clear problem to solve. Small teams testing innovative applications of Bitcoin Staking, sBTC, or Bitcoin DeFi. If you can demo something—even if rough—you're ready to apply.

What Makes a Strong Application:

• Early proof-of-concept: working prototype, technical architecture, or user validation
• Clear problem statement: what gap are you filling in the Stacks ecosystem?
• 2-4 concrete milestones you can hit in 8-12 weeks
• Realistic budget showing how $5K moves the project forward
  

Grant Amounts

Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 in STX, with an average of $5,000. Payments are disbursed in two tranches: at the halfway point of the project and upon completion. 

You’ll check in with the Program manager on a monthly basis during the duration of the grant.