SBA Awards Grant to Organization in Nebraska to Help Underserved Communities Succeed

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration issued a grant award up to $125,000 to the Nebraska Business Development Center in Omaha, Nebraska for specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for research and development (R&D)-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. 

“The FAST grant program will provide the critically needed early-stage seed funds to Nebraska research and development companies helping to address Federal agencies’ research and development needs,” says Leon Milobar, District Director for the SBA Nebraska District Office.  “These research projects often generate some of the most important breakthroughs and developments each year.”

“As President Biden often says, great ideas come from anywhere and everywhere. 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.

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 businesses.   

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. 

Josh Nichol-Caddy, Technology Commercialization Director for the Nebraska Business Development Center, states that, “NBDC is excited to continue its work with entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with innovative ideas. This renewal of the FAST grant provides continuity in our efforts to promote the SBIR/STTR program across the state and help clients navigate the application process. NBDC offers regular trainings about SBIR/STTR and other funding options for innovations and new technologies as well as individual consulting at no charge.”

The FAST grantees are as follows: 

                                                       Awardees – 2022 Cohort – Base Year

Awardees – 2021 Cohort – Second Year

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About FAST

In FY 2021, $4 million total was appropriated as grants for entities to carry out targeted activities from September 30, 2021 through September 29, 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. Additional information can be found at www.sbir.gov/about-fast.

About SBIR/STTR

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.  Additional information about the programs, as well as past and current topics can be found at www.sbir.gov.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. 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. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

SBA Nebraska District Office

10675 Bedford Ave, Suite 100
Omaha, NE  68134
402-221-4691
www.sba.gov/ne

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