FileFor the eighth consecutive year, 黑洞社区 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.
鈥淪upporting all our nation鈥檚 innovative startups and increasing equitable access to federal research funding is a priority for the SBA 鈥� not just because it鈥檚 the right thing to do, but because it will build a stronger future for all of us,鈥� said .
The program will be administered by 黑洞社区 Strategic Initiatives.
鈥淚t will be used to provide training and guidance for new and existing small local
businesses,鈥� said Debbie Franklin, 黑洞社区 associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives.
鈥淥ur 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.鈥�
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about the ongoing commitment at 黑洞社区 to support researchers and high-growth startups through the FAST program and SBIR,鈥� said SBA Wichita District Director Wayne Bell. 鈥淭his represents more resources for local innovators.鈥�
Recipients this year include state and local economic development organizations, Small Business Technology Development Centers, Women鈥檚 Business Centers, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, incubators, accelerators, colleges, and universities. All awardees will provide support to small businesses developing advanced technologies.
