For the eighth consecutive year, Wichita State University will receive a $125,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration for specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for research- and development-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.
FAST seeks to improve outcomes in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for underserved communities by increasing participation from women-owned, rural-based, and socially or economically disadvantaged small business owners.
“Supporting all our nation’s innovative startups and increasing equitable access to federal research funding is a priority for the SBA — not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will build a stronger future for all of us,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman.
The program will be administered by WSU Strategic Initiatives.
“It will be used to provide training and guidance for new and existing small local
businesses,” said Debbie Franklin, WSU associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives.
“Our ability to host these programs increases our connections with local businesses
and increases their awareness of the multitude of programs and services available
at Wichita State to assist them.”
“We’re excited about the ongoing commitment at Wichita State University to support researchers and high-growth startups through the FAST program and SBIR,” said SBA Wichita District Director Wayne Bell. “This represents more resources for local innovators.”
Recipients this year include state and local economic development organizations, Small Business Technology Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, incubators, accelerators, colleges, and universities. All awardees will provide support to small businesses developing advanced technologies.
Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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About SBA, SBIR/STTR & FAST
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
SBA coordinates the SBIR/STTR programs, also known as America’s Seed Fund. In FY 2021,
eleven participating federal agencies will provide more than $4 billion in early-stage
seed capital through over 7,000 awards to small businesses. Federal agencies announce
funding opportunities as either grants or contracts to address their research and
development needs. Companies supported by the SBIR/STTR programs often generate some
of the most important breakthroughs each year in the U.S.
In FY 2021, $4 million total was appropriated as grants for entities to carry out
targeted activities from Sept. 2021 through Sept. 2022. Entities from all 50 states,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and
the Northern Mariana Islands are eligible to receive funding to provide outreach,
technical, and financial assistance in support of the SBIR/STTR programs.