Grants

Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Small Business Administration
Award Range
up to $180,000
Deadline
Closed 2026-07-29
Time Remaining
This cycle closed on 2026-07-29. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
CFDA Number
59.058
Bottom line: The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides up to $180,000 in funding through the Small Business Administration. The primary mission of the FAST program is to strengthen the technological competitiveness of small businesses in the United States. The FAST program provides yearly funding to eligible organizations to execute state-based programs, which may also collaborate regionally, that raise awareness of the SBIR/STTR programs, educate small businesses on new and ongoing program requirements, increase application submission and awards, and reach all eligible small businesses.

The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Small Business Administration. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Details from the notice: Be a public or private entity, organization, or individual that intends to use funding awarded under this Announcement to provide outreach, technical and business assistance, and/or financial support to small businesses to increase SBIR/STTR proposals and awards; and be endorsed by the appropriate State governor or their authorized designee as the only approved applicant from that State; and be in one of the following states or U.S. territories: American Samoa, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Guam, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands. Applicant types on grants.gov: Unrestricted: open to any type of organization, subject to any conditions in the notice.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Small Business programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
  2. Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
  3. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
  4. Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
  5. Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit once the next cycle opens. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program
Funding Agency Small Business Administration
CFDA Number 59.058
Award Minimum Not published
Award Maximum $180,000
Deadline Closed 2026-07-29
Category Small Business
Matching Required Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds
Application Link Apply on Grants.gov

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Small Business grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program?

Details from the notice: Be a public or private entity, organization, or individual that intends to use funding awarded under this Announcement to provide outreach, technical and business assistance, and/or financial support to small businesses to increase SBIR/STTR proposals and awards; and be endorsed by the appropriate State governor or their authorized designee as the only approved applicant from that State; and be in one of the following states or U.S. territories: American Samoa, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Guam, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, South Carolina, Washington, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands. Applicant types on grants.gov: Unrestricted: open to any type of organization, subject to any conditions in the notice. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.

What is the deadline for Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program?

The current deadline is closed on 2026-07-29; the next cycle has not been posted. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.

Does Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program require matching funds?

Yes, this program requires cost sharing or matching funds. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.