Arizona Commerce Authority Is Now Accepting FAST Grant Applications to Support Small Businesses

Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority announced today it is accepting applications for the Federal and State Technology (FAST) grant to support small businesses. Applications are being accepted through December 31, 2021.

The Small Business Administration’s FAST Partnership Program is designed to support programs that advance innovative, technology-driven small businesses. The program’s goal is to increase the number of competitive bids for federally-funded innovation and research and development programs.

The ACA will distribute the grants in three rounds from October 2021 to September 2022 in January, May and September. Each round will award six applicants up to $3,000 each.

“We are proud to partner with the Small Business Administration to distribute FAST grants to innovative Arizona small businesses,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The FAST grant will enable our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem to continue developing and launching next-generation technologies. We look forward to seeing the innovative applications submitted.”

To be eligible to apply:

A business must be organized for profit and located in the U.S.
Be more than 50% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S., or by other small business concerns that are each more than 50% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States.
Have no more than 500 employees, including affiliates.

In addition to the partnership with the SBA, the ACA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) will also partner with business incubators, core facilities (labs), grant writers, consultants and business resources to promote the FAST grant and SBIR programming.

ACA SBIR Partners: