VertueLab logo

Federal Funding Assistance / Oregon FAST (SBIR/STTR Assistance Program)

VertueLab

Foundation Annual Grants for StartupsSmall Business Grants
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Up to $4.2 billion annually (across federal agencies)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Federal Funding Assistance / Oregon FAST

Overview: VertueLab provides free assistance to early-stage startups and entrepreneurs in identifying, navigating, and applying for federal funding opportunities. The program specifically focuses on SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) grants.

Program Name: Oregon Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program

Geographic Scope: Oregon (statewide); serves companies across sectors in the Pacific Northwest

Focus Areas:

  • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

  • Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

  • Non-dilutive federal grant funding

    • Program Statistics:

  • 100+ companies assisted

  • $21M+ secured in federal grants

  • Since 2012: 200+ small businesses assisted, $26M+ in funding secured

    • About SBIR/STTR Grants:

  • Approximately $4.2 billion awarded annually across federal agencies

  • Competitive process based on technical merit and market potential

  • Non-dilutive funding (no equity dilution)

    • Participating Federal Agencies:

  • Department of Agriculture

  • Department of Commerce (NIST and NOAA)

  • Department of Defense

  • Department of Education

  • Department of Energy

  • Department of Health and Human Services

  • Department of Homeland Security

  • Department of Transportation

  • Environmental Protection Agency

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  • National Science Foundation

    • Program Phases:

  • Phase 1: Tests technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential

  • Phase 2: Further develops Phase I effort, leads to market-ready prototype

  • Phase 3: Market approach and commercialization (generally not directly funded by government)

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Organized as a for-profit business located in the United States

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens

  • No more than 500 employees (including affiliates)

    • Additional STTR Requirements:

  • Formal cooperative research and development effort

  • Minimum 40% of R&D undertaken by small business

  • Minimum 30% by U.S. research institution

  • Intellectual property agreement between business and research institution

  • Plan for follow-on R&D and commercialization

    • Services Provided (at no cost):

  • Matching with appropriate federal agency and topic

  • Contact with relevant program managers

  • Tools and resources for agency requirements

  • Proposal package review and critique

  • Grant professional writing services (content creation by applicant)

    • Contact: Oregon FAST team housed at VertueLab | PO Box 212, Portland, OR 97207 | (971) 770-2378

    How to Apply

    How to Apply

    Step 1: Sign up for Oregon FAST updates and federal funding news at vertuelab.org/federal-funding-assistance

    Step 2: Connect with the Oregon FAST team for personalized assistance:

  • Get matched to the most appropriate federal agency and solicitation

  • Discuss your innovation and technology

    • Step 3: Engage with Oregon FAST support services:

  • Connect with relevant federal program managers

  • Access tools and resources for proposal development

  • Receive guidance on agency requirements

  • Submit draft proposal packages for review and critique

  • Utilize professional writing services (as needed)

    • Step 4: Submit your proposal to the appropriate federal agency

    Key Contacts:

  • Lead, OR FFA & Accelerator Manager: Mike Witteman

  • Entrepreneur-in-Residence: Available

    • Resources Provided:

  • SBIR.GOV (main federal grants portal)

  • Oregon SBDC

  • Apex Accelerator

  • Oregon RAIN

  • OEN (Oregon Entrepreneurs Network)

  • Oregon Business Center

  • Oregon Innovation Hub

  • OSU Advantage Accelerator

  • UO Accelerator

  • PSU

  • Willamette University

    • Note: The only service Oregon FAST does NOT provide is content creation—applicants are responsible for developing their own innovation content.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    startupssmall-businesses

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for StartupsSmall Business Grants

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    Elm City Opportunity Fund

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    AgLaunch365 Accelerator

    Amount

    $100,000 initial investment, with additional milestone-based capital available

    Deadline

    September 15, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    AgLaunch Virtual Bootcamps

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    May 31, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    SBIR Innovative Molecular Analysis Technology (IMAT) Development for Cancer Research and Clinical Care

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    NIH Niche Assessment Program

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Rolling (Quarterly)
    Foundation

    New Venture Pitch Competition

    Amount

    $1,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Monthly

    Ready to apply for Federal Funding Assistance / Oregon FAST (SBIR/STTR Assistance Program)?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more