SBIR relies on the participation of federal agencies, support organizations, and entrepreneurs around the country.
The SBIR Innovation Ecosystem
Current Awardees
Explore our various innovation partnerships across the US.
Innovation Ecosystem Programs
GAFC
The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) supports innovation-focused entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) with programs to speed the launch, growth, and scale of deep-tech small businesses across the country with a focus on spurring investment in underrepresented communities.
FAST
The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards from women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas - typically rural states.
Program Spotlight
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a higher-education-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned, with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation.
Event Spotlight: America's Seed Fund Road Tour
2025 America's Seed Fund Road Tour
Dates and additional event information forthcoming.
America’s Seed Fund Road Tour is a national outreach effort to connect innovators and entrepreneurs to non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known as “America’s Seed Fund”.
America's Seed Fund Road Tour plays an important role in encouraging participation in innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting the mission of the SBIR/STTR programs to support scientific excellence and technological innovation to build a strong national economy.
Federal Agency representatives have been invited to attend a series of events that bring together local and national innovation ecosystems. The events will help attendees navigate over $4 billion in early-stage funding opportunities through America’s Seed Fund.
