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.

Request SBIR/STTR Support

Please complete the form below to request SBIR/STTR support.

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

The FL FAST Network

The statewide FL FAST network includes more than 40 organizations and is expected to grow. Please contact us to join the network and help entrepreneurs secure SBIR/STTR funding.