FileFor the eighth consecutive year, ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ 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 .
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.
βSupporting all our nationβs innovative startups and increasing equitable access to federal research funding is a priority for the SBA β not just because itβs the right thing to do, but because it will build a stronger future for all of us,β said .
The program will be administered by ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ Strategic Initiatives.
βIt will be used to provide training and guidance for new and existing small local
businesses,β said Debbie Franklin, ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives.
βOur 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.β
βWeβre excited about the ongoing commitment at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½ to support researchers and high-growth startups through the FAST program and SBIR,β said SBA Wichita District Director Wayne Bell. βThis represents more resources for local innovators.β
Recipients this year include state and local economic development organizations, Small Business Technology Development Centers, Womenβs Business Centers, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, incubators, accelerators, colleges, and universities. All awardees will provide support to small businesses developing advanced technologies.
