Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program
🏛 Small Business Administration
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that want to raise awareness and increase participation in the SBA's SBIR and STTR programs. Eligible recipients typically include state governments, regional organizations, and established nonprofits that support small business. Organizations must have the capacity to deliver statewide or regional outreach programs about federal small business innovation funding. The program supports educational activities, webinars, training events, and mentoring initiatives focused on helping small businesses compete technologically.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Program description
The primary mission of the FAST program is to strengthen the technological competitiveness of small businesses in the United States. The FAST program provides yearly funding to eligible organizations to execute state-based programs, which may also collaborate regionally, that raise awareness of the SBIR/STTR programs, educate small businesses on new and ongoing program requirements, increase application submission and awards, and reach all eligible small businesses.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project Narrative (program description and outreach strategy)
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of commitment from state agencies and partner organizations
- Proof of cost-share contribution
Program contact
- 👤 Small Business Administration
- 📧 support@grants.gov
- 📞 202 619 0603
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 59.058 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
-
$294,420
Top States by Funding
- CT 4 awards $0.7M
- NM 3 awards $0.7M
- DE 3 awards $0.7M
- WY 3 awards $0.7M
- MD 3 awards $0.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 59.058). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,377,219 | |
| 2025 | $2,798,015 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the FAST Partnership Program?
State governments, regional organizations, and nonprofits with capacity to deliver statewide small business outreach are typically eligible. Contact your SBA regional office to confirm your organization's eligibility.
What is the deadline and funding available?
The deadline is July 16, 2026. Awards range from $1 to $180,000, with a total program pool of $9 million nationwide.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant funds outreach and awareness-building activities about SBIR/STTR programs, including training, mentoring, webinars, and events that help small businesses apply for federal innovation funding.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, this grant requires cost sharing. Your application must describe how you will contribute resources or match funding toward the project.
How competitive is this grant?
The program is moderately competitive. Strong applications demonstrate clear partnerships with state agencies, proven ability to reach small businesses, and a detailed outreach plan with measurable participation targets.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong partnership with your state's economic development agency and SBA district office before applying. This shows infrastructure for statewide delivery.
- Focus your proposal on measurable outcomes: number of small businesses reached, application submissions influenced, and awards your outreach helped generate.
- Clearly itemize your cost-share contribution (staff time, facilities, partner resources). Reviewers verify these commitments carefully.
- Emphasize how you'll reach underrepresented groups of small businesses, including those outside major metros and underserved industries.
- Use data from your state's SBIR/STTR application and award history to show gaps your program will address.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Overestimating reach without explaining delivery method or existing partnerships. Vague cost-share commitments that lack specific dollar amounts or resource allocation. Failing to connect program activities directly to increased SBIR/STTR applications and awards.
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