Grants

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

Updated July 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Small Business Administration
Award Range
$1 - $180,000
Deadline
July 22, 2026
Time Remaining
Closing soon: about 12 days left as of July 10, 2026.
CFDA Number
59.058
Bottom line: The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides $1 to $180,000 in funding through 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,

The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by Small Business Administration. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application before the July 22, 2026 deadline.

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:

Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

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

If you are not sure whether your organization qualifies, review our guide on best small business grants for alternative programs that may be a better fit.

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 Grants.gov. 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 before the July 22, 2026 deadline. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
  6. Confirm receipt. You will receive a tracking number and confirmation email. Check back in 1-2 business days to verify your application passed the Grants.gov 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 $1
Award Maximum $180,000
Deadline July 22, 2026
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.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility". 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 July 22, 2026. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check Grants.gov 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.