Part I: The FAST National Impact: Expanding Innovation Access
- Tom Kenny
- Jul 17, 2025
- 3 min read
America’s best ideas aren’t born only in big cities but across the country, entrepreneurs with bold, high-impact ideas often face challenges turning their concepts into commercially viable solutions. Whether they’re launching in small towns, suburbs, or urban centers, accessing federal innovation funding such as the SBIR and STTR programs, collectively known as “America’s Seed Fund” can be overwhelming due to complex application processes and intense competition.
That’s where the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program comes in. Backed by the SBA, FAST funds and guides your business through the complex federal funding process. And partnering with experts like Grant Management Associates (GMA) can make all the difference for you. As a national leader in grant strategy, GMA helps innovators navigate the funding landscape, craft strong proposals, and bring big ideas to life, wherever they’re based.
How FAST Works
Each year, organizations across all 50 states and U.S. territories compete for FAST funding. In 2024, the SBA awarded $9 million to 49 organizations to help innovators like you access federal funding opportunities.
If you’re looking to break into the SBIR/STTR ecosystem, FAST partners are here to guide you every step of the way. These organizations offer:
Outreach and education – Workshops and webinars to help you understand the SBIR/STTR process
Technical and business support – One-on-one coaching, proposal reviews, and commercialization planning
Financial assistance – Micro-grants or loans to offset proposal costs and conference travel
At its core, FAST is about equity—making sure innovators like you, no matter your background or location, have a fair shot at success.
Navigating SBIR/STTR grants can be challenging, but GMA is your expert guide. With extensive experience in federal funding and a national network of FAST partners, we help you achieve your goals faster.
You can find a list of current FAST awardees and their contact information by state on FAST and on the NIH SEED FAST directory.
Success Stories: From Local Support to National Impact
The impact of FAST is best seen through the success of companies it has helped launch. At the University of Illinois Research Park, the EnterpriseWorks incubator has become a beacon for local entrepreneurs. With FAST-backed support, startups like PhotoniCare which developed a breakthrough ear imaging device secured early SBIR funding, attracted millions in private investment, and now sells its technology to clinics nationwide.
Another EnterpriseWorks graduate, Serionix, used SBIR grants to develop color-changing air filters. Thanks to mentoring and proposal support provided by the incubator, Serionix has grown from a university lab project to a commercial company with products in homes and businesses across the country.
In Oklahoma, the OK Catalyst program at the University of Oklahoma has become a launchpad for women and minority founders. By offering tailored workshops, proposal reviews, and even mini-grants, OK Catalyst has helped dozens of startups win their first federal contracts ,many of whom say they wouldn’t have attempted an SBIR application without this support.
Why FAST Matters to You
If you're an entrepreneur with a bold idea—but limited access to funding the FAST Partnership Program was built for you.
FAST isn’t just another grant initiative. It’s a strategic investment in you, your company, and your community. By working through local innovation organizations, FAST ensures that you get access to SBIR/STTR support that’s tailored, not generic.
What FAST Does for You:
Unlocks local resources so you're not navigating federal grants alone
Connects you with experts in technical writing, compliance, and commercialization
Levels the playing field so your location or background isn’t a barrier
Increases your odds of winning non-dilutive funding through targeted support
Whether you’re launching a biotech startup, scaling a clean energy solution, or building software in a rural town, FAST + GMA can help you go further, faster.
Get Started Now
Learn about the FAST Program:
See how to apply:
Find your state’s FAST partner:
You bring the innovation. FAST brings the access. GMA brings the execution.
Let’s build something transformative—together.
Ready to find out how FAST can fund your next upgrade?
👉 Book a 15-minute strategy call: Book Here
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