Early-stage companies in South Carolina often face a familiar challenge: great ideas and high potential, but limited resources to get through the federal funding door. The University of South Carolina’s FAST program, led by the Office of Economic Engagement, is changing that narrative with a dynamic support system for SBIR/STTR applicants.
TL;DR
USC’s FAST program offers South Carolina startups technical assistance, proposal development support, mentoring, and commercialization services to improve SBIR/STTR application success. Funding amounts vary, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Founders need more than funding—they need strategy, support, and structure
When pursuing SBIR/STTR grants, most startups don’t just need money—they need guidance. From concept development and business formation to writing strong proposals and planning commercialization, the SBIR process demands a depth of experience that many early-stage teams haven’t yet built.
That’s exactly where the FAST program excels.
USC FAST supports proposal development and commercialization success
The Federal and State Technology (FAST) program housed at the University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement provides a full spectrum of support services for startups across the state preparing to apply for SBIR and STTR awards.
This includes:
- One-on-one guidance through idea development and entity formation
- Educational programs focused on effective proposal development
- Professional service connections that elevate the technical and business quality of your submission
- Commercialization support for technologies funded through SBIR/STTR grants
- Access to South Carolina-based mentoring networks for tailored business advice
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and program support is provided via internal reviewers. Funding amounts may vary depending on the scope and stage of engagement.
Build more than a proposal—build a fundable business model
FAST doesn’t just help you get your SBIR proposal out the door; it equips your startup to succeed beyond the submission. Through education, mentoring, and commercialization strategy, the program prepares you to be not just fundable but sustainable.
For entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to elevate their SBIR application with clarity and confidence, this program provides a structured, founder-centered path forward.
Without guided support, founders often miss critical SBIR benchmarks
Many early-stage applicants underestimate what it takes to submit a successful SBIR/STTR proposal. They skip strategic planning, overlook compliance details, or miss opportunities to align their innovation with agency priorities. The result? Missed funding and lost time.
Without a partner like FAST, it’s easy for promising proposals to go unfunded—not because they lacked potential, but because they lacked polish.
USC FAST builds capacity while reducing risk
The FAST program at USC helps de-risk the SBIR process for startups. Instead of navigating everything alone, founders get access to technical assistance, commercialization advice, and targeted mentorship at every step. Support is tailored to each business, ensuring that efforts are focused where they’ll yield the most impact.
Whether you’re just getting started or refining a Phase I proposal, the FAST program aligns to your needs and schedule.
A Columbia-based biotech startup recently joined USC’s FAST Program to strengthen its first SBIR Phase I proposal. With tailored mentoring and commercialization guidance, the team refined its submission and positioned the company for future Phase II growth.
Start your SBIR journey with structure and support
Explore the USC FAST Program to learn how you can plug into the ecosystem. If you’re unsure where to begin, or want to map out a proposal development timeline, schedule a consult call with our team to get actionable guidance.
We’ve helped dozens of startups leverage FAST programs to win federal funding
We understand the difference strong SBIR support can make. At EB Howard, we’ve worked with startups across the U.S. to navigate FAST programs, build fundable proposals, and successfully commercialize federally backed innovations. USC’s FAST offering is one of the strongest regional options for founders ready to grow.
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We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.