The FAST Partnership Program helps small businesses in the U.S. become more competitive in technology. It provides funding to organizations that run programs to educate small businesses about federal research and development opportunities, like the SBIR/STTR programs, and help them apply for these opportunities.
Who it's for: This grant is for organizations that can run state-based programs to support small businesses in learning about and applying for federal technology research and development opportunities.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being an eligible organization type
- Inability to provide required cost sharing/matching funds
- Failure to submit a complete application by the deadline
- Not focusing on technological competitiveness or small business support
- Lack of experience in running educational or support programs for small businesses
What You May Need
- Proof of eligibility as an organization
- Detailed program proposal
- Budget plan including cost sharing/matching details
- Evidence of experience in supporting small businesses
- Partnership agreements if collaborating regionally
- Organizational financial statements
- Staff resumes or qualifications
- Letters of support or commitment
- Plan for measuring program success
- Registration in federal grant systems (e.g., SAM)
Cautions
- A cost sharing or matching contribution is required.
- Programs must focus on technological competitiveness.
- Ensure all application materials are complete and submitted on time.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants are organizations that can run state-based programs to support small businesses in the U.S. These organizations should focus on enhancing the technological competitiveness of small businesses and have the capability to educate them about the SBIR/STTR programs. Specific eligible entity types are not detailed, but organizations must be able to meet the cost sharing/matching requirement.
Overview
This grant is for organizations that can run state-based programs to support small businesses in learning about and applying for federal technology research and development opportunities.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being an eligible organization type
- Inability to provide required cost sharing/matching funds
- Failure to submit a complete application by the deadline
- Not focusing on technological competitiveness or small business support
- Lack of experience in running educational or support programs for small businesses
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to create and run programs that educate small businesses about federal research opportunities, help them apply for these opportunities, and increase their chances of receiving awards.
Total Program Funding
$9,000,000
Expected Awards
7
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 2, 2026
- Deadline
- Jul 16, 2026(33 days)
- Archive Date
- Aug 15, 2026
Application Checklist
- Verify organizational eligibility
- Develop a comprehensive program proposal
- Prepare a detailed budget with cost sharing/matching
- Gather evidence of past experience with similar programs
- Secure partnership agreements if applicable
- Compile organizational financial documents
- Prepare staff resumes or qualifications
- Obtain letters of support or commitment
- Create a plan for program success measurement
- Register in SAM and other necessary federal systems