SBA Issues Program Announcement

SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation within the Office of Technology on May 6th issued the FY 2013 “Federal and State Technology Partnership Program” (FAST) announcement so that states will be able to provide small technology firms with grants to innovate and commercialize new technology. SBA expects to issue $1,900,000 in awards and SBA anticipates that the amount of funding provided under each award will be approximately $95,000 with 20 awards to be made.

The program will provide grants geared to small business concerns for the following:

  • Technology research and development
  • Technology transfer from university research to technology-based small business concerns
  • Technology deployment and diffusion

 

The FAST program emphasizes participation in the SBIR program and outreach financial support and/or technical assistance will be given to technology-based small business concerns if they participate in or are interested in participating in an SBIR program.

In order to be eligible for the funding, an applicant must be a public or private entity, organization, or an individual that is going to use the funding to help small business concerns develop technology.

The FAST program will also establish or operate consortia comprised of entities, organizations, or individuals. The consortia can consist of state and local development agencies and entities, representatives from technology-based small business concerns, industries and emerging companies, universities, and small business development centers.

The closing date to submit an application for funding for the FAST program is June 7, 2013. For more information, go to www.grants.gov.