FL FAST — Florida’s Only SBA-Designated SBIR/STTR Support Program
Federal R&D Funding.
Free Support to Get It.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs distribute $4.3 billion annually to small businesses doing high-risk, high-reward R&D. The Corridor’s FL FAST initiative provides free coaching, proposal support, and agency matching to help Florida companies secure their share.
America’s Largest Source of Early-Stage R&D Funding
Distributed Annually
11 participating federal agencies award over 6,000 grants and contracts to small businesses each year — DOD alone accounts for more than $2.3B of that total.
You Keep Everything
Unlike venture capital, SBIR/STTR awards do not require equity. Participants retain full company ownership and rights to any intellectual property developed under the award.
WHAT SBIR/STTR FUNDS
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Prove your concept is technically feasible. The starting point for most first-time applicants — a focused proposal to demonstrate the potential of your technology.
Full-scale R&D to develop and commercialize the technology proven in Phase I. Typically requires a successful Phase I award first.
Bring the product to market through federal contracts, private investment, or licensing.
Stack your SBIR/STTR award with up to $150,000 in co-investment
If your company is located in the Corridor’s 23-county region and you have an active SBIR/STTR award paired with a UCF or USF research partnership, you may be eligible for the Matching Grants Research Program (MGRP).
The Corridor co-invests directly alongside your company — matching your direct research investment dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000, with funds awarded to the university research team. No funding goes directly to the company.
23-county Corridor region
Florida’s Only SBA-Designated SBIR/STTR Support Program
WHAT FL FAST PROVIDES
Topic Identification
We help you identify the right agency solicitations and topics that match your technology — so you’re not applying blind.
Proposal Review
Our team provides structured proposal strategy feedback before you submit — significantly improving your odds.
Budget Preparation
We walk you through building a compliant, competitive budget — one of the most common areas where first-time applicants lose points.
Support Letters
We help you obtain and structure letters of support from universities, customers, and partners that strengthen your application.
University Connections
We facilitate introductions to UCF, USF, and UF researchers whose expertise aligns with your project’s technical needs.
Ecosystem Resources
We keep you informed on solicitations, legislative changes, agency news, and SBIR/STTR opportunities relevant to your sector.
SBIR/STTR Webinars for Florida Entrepreneurs
All FL FAST training webinars are free, open to any Florida entrepreneur or ecosystem builder, and recorded for on-demand access. Register once using the link below to stay notified of all upcoming sessions.
Register for All Webinar Sessions
One registration covers all upcoming sessions · 1:00–2:30pm EST
TRAINING SERIES
April 22, 2026
Department of Defense/Department of War SBIR/STTR Overview
Join this webinar for an overview of the DoW SBIR components. Gain insight on how to identify the right solicitation for your technology, connect with Technical Points of Contact (TPOC), and influence future topics.
April 8, 2026
Find out how the government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide $4 billion annually as a source of non-dilutive R&D funding for initial development of your high-risk, innovative idea and proof that it has potential in the marketplace. We will update attendees on the status of SBIR/STTR reauthorization and what it means for your company.
May 12-14, 2026
National Science Foundation (NSF) Deep Dive
This NSF-specific proposal development workshop is a 3-session intensive that reviews the NSF’s SBIR/STTR proposal process in detail. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, this session will cover how and when to contact program officers, the technical section, team section, commercial section, budgeting and the agency submission website.
June 3, 2026
Developing Your SBIR/STTR Budget
Developing a proper budget for a grant or contract proposal should not be overlooked. A proper budget can be an effective tool in driving the project from start to finish. Be sure not to leave money on the table. This session will walk through the development of a project budget and justification that the company can afford to pursue this project.
June 17, 2026
National Institute of Health (NIH) SBIR/STTR Overview
This session will provide an overview of NIH SBIR/STTR programs. We’ll cover: NIH structure and identifying the most appropriate Institute or Center to fund your project; Understanding and navigating NIH’s review process; Effective communication with the Program Managers; Tapping into NIH’s unique SBIR/STTR funding opportunities to maximize your budget.
July 8, 2026
NASA SBIR Overview
This webinar will provide a review of NASA’s mission and proposal requirements. Learn what technologies they are looking for, how to plan your project and meet the reviewer’s expectations.
July 22, 2026
Working with the DOD/DOW and speaking their language
The DoW SBIR and STTR programs offer a wide range of opportunities for small firms to address military needs in just about every technology area, from software to training systems, from medical products to air, land and sea platforms. This webinar will provide a brief look at how SBIR/STTR projects fit into the DoW’s procurement process, and how you can “speak their language” to improve your chances of getting Phase I and Phase II contract awards.
Open Every 3rd Thursday · 11:00am–12:00pm EST
Drop in with any question about SBIR/STTR: a specific agency, your proposal, eligibility. Open to any Florida entrepreneur, no agenda required.
Upcoming: June 4 · June 25 · July 16 · August 6 · August 27 · September 17, 2026.
Florida Companies That Have Won
Request Free SBIR/STTR Support
HOW FL FAST HELPS YOU — STEP BY STEP
Express Interest
Complete the interest form. A team member follows up to understand your company and project.
Identify the Right Agency
We match your technology to the agency solicitation most likely to result in an award.
Build Your Application
We support budget development, proposal drafts, and support letters throughout the process.
After Submission
We help with agency follow-up, Phase II planning, and MGRP co-investment eligibility.
SBIR/STTR Support Interest Form
Tell us about your company and where you are in the SBIR/STTR process.
A team member typically follows up within 2–3 business days.
Connect with our Program Manager
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. All opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.