Apply now for the Ready! Set! Go! Series
This webinar series connects you with experts to strengthen proposals.
Applications must be submitted by June 17 at 11:59 p.m.
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
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development that has the potential for commercialization.
Both of these programs use the same proposal and review mechanism, and both award the same amounts of money. The primary difference for most applicants is that the STTR program requires the business to partner with a research institution, whereas it is optional with an SBIR award.
The mission of the SBIR program is to stimulate technology innovation by strengthening the role of innovative SBCs in Federal Research/ R&D. The program’s goals are four-fold:
- Stimulate technological innovation.
- Use small businesses to meet Federal R&D needs
- Foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Increase private-sector commercialization of innovations.
Participating in America's Seed Fund happens in three phases:
of supported submissions awarded funding as of 2024.
Illinois FAST Center clients served from 2024 to 2025.
in SBIR/STTR funding awarded to assisted companies as of 2025.
Our Services
Proposal Assistance
Office Hours &
1:1 Mentorship
Webinars & Workshops
Technical & Business Support
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Events & Training
The FAST Center offers webinars and workshops that provide a deeper dive on agency SBIR/STTR programs, successful award management, Phase II topics, and updates, priorities, or changes at the federal or state level for stakeholders. View the full training archive here.
Check Out Upcoming Events
What are the keys to SBIR/STTR success? The READY! module describes the core elements of successful SBIR/STTR proposals and guides teams in creating initial versions of these elements.
- Three one-hour webinars with optional proposal development exercises
- No pre-requisites, but SBIR/STTR familiarity assumed
- Exercises may be submitted for feedback
- Anticipated workload: one to three hours per session for those completing the exercises
- End results:
- Identifying what the team needs for a competitive proposal
- SBIR/STTR Readiness Portfolio
View the FAST Center training archive to watch this session.
In the Set! module, participants will draft all major proposal sections. Teams will then revise and refine their proposals based on extensive reviews and interactions with FAST SBIR/STTR consultants.
- Four to five one-and-a-half hour sessions, meeting every 2 weeks
- Intensive proposal development and instructor feedback between sessions
- Participants must commit to attending all sessions. Anticipated workload:
- 12-20 hours per team between sessions
- Interactions with instructors
- End results:
- Initial draft of full proposal, with holes and gaps identified
- Work plan for addressing holes and gaps
In the Go! module, participants will develop final versions of competitive proposals, ready to submit. Each participant will receive extensive feedback from FAST consultants over multiple iterations. Go! sessions have not yet been scheduled. Their availability and format will be determined during the Set! series.
The FAST Center Team
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.
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.