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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    Empowering Illinois Innovators to Secure Federal Funding

    The Illinois Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is led by EnterpriseWorks and helps small businesses secure SBIR and STTR funding through free workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and proposal assistance.

    Getting Started

    FAST Center FAQs

    Participating in America's Seed Fund happens in three phases:

    I
    Phase 1:
    Proof of Concept

    6-12 months
    $50,000 - $300,000

    II
    Phase 2:
    Technology Development

    24 months
    $750,000 – $2.1 million

    III
    Phase 3:
    Commercialization

    Take your product to market or sell in the federal contacting marketplace

    Join the FAST Center email list

    Subscribe

    Our Services

    Proposal Assistance

    Office Hours &
    1:1 Mentorship

    Webinars & Workshops

    Technical & Business Support

    0 %

    of supported submissions awarded funding as of 2024.

    0

    Illinois FAST Center clients served from 2023 to 2024.

    $ 0 M

    in SBIR/STTR funding awarded to assisted companies as of 2024.

    Ready to get started?

    Free office hours sessions are the best first step for new teams.
    Get quick answers about SBIR/STTR eligibility, funding, and how to apply.

    Request Office Hours

    The FAST Center Team

    Ji Eun Kim

    Assistant Director
    About

    Roland Garton

    Garton Consulting Services
    About

    Anna Lisa Somera

    ALS Consulting
    About

    Kris Parmelee

    Parmelee Consulting Group
    About

    Heidi Platt

    Platinum Grants & Proposals
    About
    "Their dedicated and knowledgeable efforts during proposal support preparation were essential in our obtaining funding. Just as importantly, they have continued to interact and advise us during implementation."
    John Doe
    Designer

    Events & Training

    Through the FAST Partnership Program, we offer monthly webinars that focus on introductory topics and explore opportunities related to specific agencies that participate in the SBIR program.

    We also offer webinars and workshops that provide a deeper dive on agency SBIR/STTR programs or processes, successful award management, Phase II topics, and updates, priorities, or changes at the federal or state level for SBIR/STTR stakeholders. 

    Training Archive

    View Recordings

    Ready! Set! Go!

    Learn More

    Entrepreneurs, researchers, and inventors throughout the State of Illinois can apply for one-on-one technical assistance. This includes assistance with more complex SBIR/STTR questions such as insight, guidance, or strategy for selecting an agency or solicitation, review and feedback of proposal drafts, and help with proposal budgets and application process. A limited number of hours are available for per business, per proposal for 1:1 technical assistance and are subject to availability of program funding.