About this programme
AZ FAST is Arizona's version of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, run by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) in partnership with the SBA. It is designed to support entrepreneurs and startups through programs that advance innovative, technology-driven small businesses.
The program provides funds, resources, training, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs strengthen their Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal, giving Arizona startups a more competitive bid for federally-funded innovation and research and development programs. SBIR and STTR funding is non-dilutive: firms that win these federal awards don't give up equity or take on debt, and they keep the intellectual property rights to what they develop.
How it works
Each application round awards six applicants up to $3,000 each. FAST Grant funding is only available to Arizona businesses.
The program runs in twice-yearly rounds. AZ FAST Fall 2026 opens September 24, 2026 and closes October 19, 2026. AZ FAST Spring 2027 opens March 1, 2027 and closes March 19, 2027.
Who can apply
To be eligible, a business must meet SBIR eligibility requirements: be an organized for-profit business with a place of business in the United States, be more than 50 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens (directly, or through another small business concern that is itself more than 50 percent owned and controlled that way), and have no more than 500 employees including affiliates.
FAST Grant funding is limited to Arizona businesses.
How to apply
- Watch for the application window: Fall 2026 applications are open September 24 to October 19, 2026; Spring 2027 applications open March 1 to March 19, 2027.
- Download and review the program's application-process presentation, available as a PDF on the AZ FAST program page, before applying.
- Confirm your business meets SBIR eligibility requirements (U.S.-based for-profit, majority U.S.-citizen or permanent-resident owned, no more than 500 employees including affiliates) before applying.
Frequently asked
How many businesses get funded each round, and how much do they get?
Each round awards six applicants up to $3,000 each.
Can an out-of-state business apply?
No. FAST Grant funding is only available to Arizona businesses.
What does the grant actually help with?
It provides funds, resources, training, and networking to strengthen a company's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal, making its bid for federal SBIR/STTR funding more competitive.
How often does the program run?
Twice a year: a Fall round (opening September 24 and closing October 19, 2026) and a Spring round (opening March 1 and closing March 19, 2027).
Do I have to give up equity for this funding?
No. The underlying SBIR/STTR funding this program supports is non-dilutive: businesses don't give up equity or take on debt, and they retain the intellectual property rights to what they develop.
More funding in Arizona
Angel Investment Tax Credit
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) · Arizona
Investors who put at least $25,000 into an ACA-certified Arizona small business can earn a state tax credit and skip capital gains tax on the exit.
Arizona Loan Guarantee Program (AZLGP)
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), part of Arizona's SSBCI allocation · Arizona
The state guarantees a portion of a loan through partner lenders so Arizona small businesses that fall short on collateral or credit history can still get financing.
Arizona Venture Co-Invest Program (AVC Ignite)
AZ Venture Capital Inc. (AVC), administering Arizona's SSBCI allocation for the ACA · Arizona
State SSBCI dollars co-invest directly in Arizona seed and early-stage startups alongside venture capital, angel, and accelerator partners.
Arizona Venture Programs (Venture Start, Venture Raise, Venture Scale)
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) · Arizona
Free ACA-run programs take Arizona founders from idea validation through fundraising readiness for a Seed or Series A round.
Qualified Facility Tax Credit
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) · Arizona
Arizona income-tax credit rewarding new or expanded manufacturing and headquarters facilities that create qualifying jobs, allocated first-come-first-served against an annual statewide cap.
Research & Development Tax Credit
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) / Arizona Department of Revenue · Arizona
Arizona businesses investing in R&D can claim a state income tax credit, and small companies under 150 employees can get part of it as a cash refund.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.