FAST
Learn more about the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program and how it helps state/regional programs increase the number of awards given to underrepresented groups.
Overview
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.
FAST awards build the SBIR/STTR ecosystem through:
- Outreach: increase the pipeline of SBIR/STTR applicants through training and outreach; and build the capacity of partner organizations and individuals to support SBIR/STTR applicants and existing awardees.
- Technical and business assistance: support entrepreneurs and startups through programs or services that improve proposal development and team creation; provide assistance that leads to the commercialization of technology developed through SBIR/STTR program funding; and form or encourage relevant mentoring networks to provide business advice and counseling.
- Financial support: make grants or loans to applicants to pay a portion or all the cost of developing SBIR/STTR proposals (Phase 0), attending relevant conferences, and bridging gaps between phases.
Resources
Below are a variety of documents relating to the submission of FAST applications, including the slides for the FY 2022 funding opportunity presentation.
- Funding Opportunity No. SB-OIIFT-24-001
- 2024 FAST Synopsis
- Funding Opportunity Submission Instructions
- Funding Opportunity Definitions
- Terms and Conditions
For questions, email FAST@sba.gov
