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

Federal Funding Assistance / Oregon FAST

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)

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.