SBIR/STTR Support

The Corridor helps Florida’s small businesses tap into Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) awards, the nation’s largest source of early-stage startup funding for research and development. Each year, 11 participating federal agencies distribute SBIR/STTR awards totaling $4 billion to finance cutting-edge, high-risk technologies.

SBIR/STTR awards are helpful for:

Developing a proof of concept or prototype
Hiring technical staff or subject-matter experts
Purchasing essential materials and equipment
Validating potential as a government vendor
Funding university research partnerships

Unlike traditional venture capital, SBIR/STTR funds are non-dilutive, so participants retain full company ownership, including the rights to intellectual property. Additionally, companies that are successful in securing SBIR/STTR awards and are engaged in research partnerships with UCF or USF may be eligible for matching funds from The Corridor’s Matching Grants Research Program.

FL FAST: Florida’s First Centralized SBIR/STTR Support System for Entrepreneurs

Powered by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, The Corridor’s “FL FAST” initiative is Florida’s first centralized support system for companies pursuing SBIR/STTR awards.

FL FAST serves small businesses statewide with an emphasis on women-owned, rural-based, and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses pursuing research and innovation activities in The Corridor’s 23-county region and beyond.

Services include in-person and virtual workshops and one-on-one assistance to meet business needs in key areas, such as topical award identification, budget preparation, proposal review, support letters, and research partnerships.

FL FAST also serves as an important resource for entrepreneurial support organizations, sharing resources, events, solicitations, legislative actions, and other information relevant to driving SBIR/STTR outcomes.

FL FAST SBIR/STTR Training Events

Register for upcoming SBIR/STTR training aimed at improving the knowledge and capabilities of Florida entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders alike.

The Virtual Training Series

Open to Any Entrepreneur or Ecosystem Builder in Florida | Register for the Virtual Training Series now »

March
9

ABCs of SBIR/STTR
Find out how the government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs can provide a source of non-dilutive R&D funding for the initial development of your high-risk, innovative idea while proving that it has potential in the marketplace.

May
9

Essentials of SBIR/STTR Commercialization
Commercialization and transition plans can be key differentiators in the SBIR/STTR programs, it is important to know what the agencies are looking for and how to go about developing a good plan. This session will review the requirements and guide you through where to start, what to include, and how to show your best self.

June
14

Developing your SBIR/STTR Budget
This session will walk through the development of a project budget and justification that the company can afford to pursue this project.

Sept.
14

Train the Trainer

Open to Any Ecosystem Builder in Florida | Register for Train the Trainer »

Aug.
23

How to Screen Clients for SBIR/STTR Funding
The SBIR/STTR programs can provide a source of R&D funding between the initial development of an innovative idea and proof that it has potential in the marketplace. The process is rigorous, but the impact of receiving millions in non-dilutive funding is worth the effort! Join our expert in this SBIR workshop and get the up-to-date program requirements so you are prepared to assess your clients’ eligibility to compete for this compelling source of funding.

SBIR/STTR Agency-Specific Cohorts

Open to Any Entrepreneur in Florida with an accepted NSF Project Pitch

April 18–
July 5

National Science Foundation | Complete an interest form »
FL FAST will guide you through the process of designing and submitting your NSF SBIR/STTR proposal. An entrepreneur must have an accepted NSF Project Pitch to participate.

July 11–
Sept. 30

Department of Energy
FL FAST will guide you through the process of designing and submitting your Department of Energy SBIR/STTR proposal.

Request SBIR/STTR Support

Please complete the form below to stay up to date with SBIR/STTR support resources available through FL FAST.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The FL FAST Network for Ecosystem Builders

The statewide FL FAST network includes more than 40 innovation ecosystem builders and entrepreneur support organizations and is expected to grow. We host a monthly call to connect ecosystem builders and provide SBIR/STTR-related resources. Please RSVP to join the monthly call, stay up to date on FL FAST activities and help entrepreneurs secure SBIR/STTR funding.