Your TL;DR: The Little Rock FAST Project supports Arkansas small businesses pursuing SBIR/STTR grants by offering strategic guidance, training, and proposal development resources. The program is open to eligible applicants on a rolling basis.
Federal SBIR/STTR programs provide billions in funding to small businesses solving pressing national challenges. But many startups struggle with how to begin—especially in regions where grant-writing expertise or agency connections are limited. That’s why the Little Rock SBIR/STTR Federal Funding FAST Project exists—to help Arkansas-based companies take that critical first step.
Federal funding is available—but proposal success requires strategy and support
With over $4 billion awarded annually, SBIR/STTR is the federal government’s largest source of non-dilutive funding for startups. But many founders aren’t sure where to start or how to translate their idea into a fundable proposal. In states like Arkansas, where funding networks are still growing, programs like FAST can be a game-changer.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) leads the FAST initiative in Little Rock, providing structure, training, and insights to prepare founders for success.
An Arkansas-based biotech startup we worked with joined the Little Rock FAST Project after struggling with their first SBIR submission. With strategic guidance and proposal support, they secured NSF Phase I funding on their second attempt, without hiring an external grant writer.
The Little Rock FAST Project offers hands-on support for SBIR/STTR applicants
Arkansas-based companies interested in SBIR/STTR can access:
- One-on-one consulting for proposal strategy
- Proposal reviews and editing
- Workshops and training specific to SBIR/STTR processes
- Help identify appropriate solicitations and funding agencies
- Connections to experienced grant professionals
The program is designed for concepting- and pre-seed-stage founders, particularly those new to federal funding or SBIR/STTR systems. While exact funding amounts may vary, the value lies in the state-backed ecosystem of support that improves proposal competitiveness.
Submit better proposals with expert input—without draining startup resources
Most early-stage founders can’t afford a grant writer or SBIR consultant. The Little Rock FAST Project bridges that gap by offering free, strategic services that help founders move from idea to application with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re writing your first draft or refining a resubmission, this program gives you the structure to succeed.
Support is especially useful for:
- Technology or research-driven startups
- Businesses developing agency-aligned solutions
- Founders preparing to submit to NSF, NIH, DoD, or DOE
Without guidance, even strong ideas fail to secure SBIR funding
Each year, promising SBIR/STTR applicants are rejected because their proposals lack agency alignment, clear milestones, or strong commercialization language. The Little Rock FAST Project exists to help Arkansas startups avoid these missteps by providing experienced, local support throughout the proposal process.
Without programs like this, startups in emerging ecosystems risk falling behind more connected innovation hubs.
Use the Little Rock FAST Project to sharpen your strategy and strengthen your submission
By participating in the program, Arkansas startups gain access to proposal development infrastructure that reduces risk and increases fundability. There is no cost to participate, and no match or ownership trade-off is required. Internal reviewers assess applications on a rolling basis, allowing teams to align their participation with the federal funding calendar.
Ready to pursue SBIR/STTR funding in Arkansas? Start here
Visit the ASBTDC FAST Project webpage to learn more or submit an inquiry. If you’re unsure whether your technology aligns with federal needs—or want help planning your next steps, schedule a consult call with our team to explore your eligibility.
EBHC supports underrepresented and emerging innovation ecosystems with SBIR expertise
We specialize in building SBIR/STTR readiness, especially in states with growing startup communities like Arkansas. The Little Rock FAST Project is a valuable resource that brings proven, actionable tools to founders who need them most. If you’re based in Arkansas and looking to compete for federal funding, this program deserves your attention.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
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.