SBIR relies on the participation of federal agencies, support organizations, and entrepreneurs around the country.
The SBIR Innovation Ecosystem
Current Awardees
Explore our various innovation partnerships across the US.
Innovation Ecosystem Programs
GAFC
The Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) supports innovation-focused entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) with programs to speed the launch, growth, and scale of deep-tech small businesses across the country with a focus on spurring investment in underrepresented communities.
FAST
The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards from women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas - typically rural states.
Program Spotlight
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a higher-education-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned, with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation.
Event Spotlight: 2026 America's Seed Fund Week
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will host America’s Seed Fund Week 2026 from May 12–14. This free online event connects entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and support organizations from across the country to America’s Seed Fund — the nation’s largest source of early-stage, non-dilutive funding for technology startups.
Event Highlights:
- Opportunities to engage directly with federal agency representatives through Meet the Program Director sessions focused on manufacturing, energy, and health.
- Programming covering SBIR/STTR basics, agency overviews, and how to align your R&D project with the right federal partner.
- Panels featuring insights from evaluators and program leaders on preparing strong proposals and navigating the application process.
- Details on program changes from the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act and how companies can prepare.
- Access to FAST sites, organizations that help innovators across the country compete for SBIR/STTR awards.
Whether you are exploring the program for the first time or preparing for your next application, America’s Seed Fund Week offers practical guidance, direct connections, and valuable resources to support your innovation journey. Register today!
