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SBA Announces $2M for Technology-Businesses Outreach, Assistance
As part of the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program, the U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded up to $200,000 to organizations in 21 states to provide outreach and technical assistance to science and technology-driven small businesses. With an emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged firms, the FAST program provides funds to organizations helping businesses better prepare to compete for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding.
Candidates for the FAST program were submitted by state governors and evaluated by panels comprised of SBIR program managers, the SBA, the Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation. Examples of support provided by FAST funding awardees could include areas such as:
- Assistance with small business research and development;
- University technology transfer to small businesses;
- Diffusion of technological innovation that benefits small businesses;
- Mentoring and professional development for small businesses applying for SBIR grants; and,
- Commercializing technologies that are developed through SBIR grants.