Your TL;DR: Arizona-based small businesses preparing SBIR/STTR proposals can apply for up to $3,000 through the AZ FAST Grant to cover proposal development and support costs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Strong ideas need strong proposals, especially when competing for federal funding. The AZ FAST Grant, part of Arizona’s Federal & State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, helps early-stage entrepreneurs bridge that gap with financial support, training, and access to a broader SBIR/STTR resource network.
Arizona innovators need capital and coaching to win federal research funding
The SBIR and STTR programs offer critical early-stage funding—but preparing a fundable proposal takes more than technical expertise. Founders must align with federal priorities, navigate complex agency guidelines, and submit highly polished applications. For many Arizona startups, that preparation can be time-consuming and cost-prohibitive.
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s FAST Program exists to make those challenges easier to navigate and more affordable to overcome.
The AZ FAST Grant offers $3,000 to support SBIR/STTR proposal development
The AZ FAST Grant provides $3,000 in support to Arizona-based startups preparing for SBIR or STTR submissions. Funding can be used for:
- Consultant fees or grant writing support
- Registration or attendance at SBIR/STTR trainings and events
- Proposal review and editing
- Business development planning or commercialization support
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and awards are made based on internal review by FAST program staff.
One Arizona medtech startup leveraged the AZ FAST Grant to cover proposal review and commercialization planning. With just a $3K investment, they fine-tuned their submission and secured a $275K NIH SBIR Phase I award, without tapping into their operating budget.
In addition to financial assistance, the AZ FAST Program offers:
- Proposal development workshops
- Strategic matchmaking and networking events
- Educational materials tailored to federal R&D funders
Increase proposal quality, clarity, and competitiveness—without using internal resources
The AZ FAST Grant is ideal for startups that are building toward their first Phase I proposal, as well as those refining resubmissions or pivoting toward a new agency fit. By offsetting the cost of early proposal work, the program allows entrepreneurs to focus on innovation—not overhead.
This grant model also keeps founders in control. It’s non-dilutive, flexible, and aligned with what early-stage ventures actually need.
Without early assistance, promising technologies may never reach reviewers’ desks
Too many founders miss out on SBIR/STTR opportunities simply because they couldn’t fund the support they needed to get started. Without guidance, strategic feedback, and writing expertise, even high-potential technologies can fail to make it past federal review panels.
AZ FAST Grant was designed to ensure Arizona startups don’t miss that first window of opportunity.
Apply for $3K in support and gain access to Arizona’s innovation network
The AZ FAST Grant isn’t just about money—it’s about building momentum. With built-in training and access to regional SBIR experts, the program helps founders position their technologies for long-term success, not just one proposal.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be headquartered in Arizona
- Be actively preparing a federal SBIR or STTR proposal
- Submit progress and outcome reports if awarded
Applications are reviewed internally, and support is offered year-round.
Interested in applying for SBIR/STTR funding in Arizona? Start with AZ FAST
Visit the official AZ FAST Grant program page to learn more and begin your application. Need help developing your proposal or choosing the right consultant? Schedule a consult call with our team for strategic guidance.
EBHC supports early-stage founders with the tools and resources to succeed in SBIR/STTR
We’ve helped hundreds of startups nationwide leverage Phase 0, FAST, and state-level programs to secure millions in non-dilutive funding. The AZ FAST Grant is a prime example of a low-barrier, high-impact opportunity that can set your SBIR/STTR strategy in motion.
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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.