What is FAST?
America’s Seed Fund:
The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program empowers small businesses to transform innovative ideas into commercial success through providing:
- Resources: Access to expertise to improve proposal development and team creation
- Support: Guidance on developing competitive project proposals and ideation from concept to commercialization.
- Non-Dilutive Funding: Known as the SBIR and STTR programs, providing crucial capital without equity loss
Learn More About the Program
What is a SBIR & STTR?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides federal research funds to foster:
- Scientific Excellence: Supporting innovative research and development
- Technology Commercialization: Helping small businesses transition ideas to market
- Economic Growth: Meeting federal R&D needs while building a strong national economy
Eligibility:
- US based, for-profit, small businesses
- Fewer than 500 employees
The SBIR program funds diverse projects across all domains of science, technology, and development.
ENGAGE IN INNOVATION
Open to anyone with an idea., this segment focuses on foundational skills This is an introductory series of workshops focused on innovation and technology development, programs providing funding that research and development, and determining when to pursue the funding.
- Workshop 1: Exploring SBIR/STTR & Other Innovation Focused Funding Streams
- Workshop 2: Defining Your Innovation
- Workshop 3: Strive for Success in Innovation
IGNITE YOUR INNOVATION
This is an intermediate series of workshops where innovators begin to put more definition and planning behind their ideas; it lays the groundwork for them to prepare to write and speak about their innovations, as well as gives them insight into how to plan to follow through on the research and development.
- Workshop 4: Mapping Your Innovation Journey
- Workshop 5: Managing Your Technical Project
- Workshop 6: Pitching Your Idea
- Workshop 7: SBIR/STTR Topic Identification
ACCELERATE YOUR INNOVATION
This is an advanced series of workshops that provides in-depth information to small business innovators that are ready to pursue focused funding channels such as SBIR/STTR. This series has an associated cost and requires acceptance by The Catalyst based on business preparedness, completion of Engage and Ignite workshops, and an entrance interview/coaching session to determine program readiness. Included in this series is access to biweekly open office hours and one-on-one coaching sessions.
- Workshop 8: Protecting Your Intellectual Property
- Workshop 9: Commercialization Workshop 10: Proposal Writing 101
- Workshop 11: Proposal Writing 102
- Workshop 12: Budgeting for Your Proposal
- Workshop 13: Making the Ask
