OMAHA – The Nebraska Small Business Development Center has received its third year of Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program funding of $125,000. FAST provides small businesses and startups, particularly those in underserved communities, with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for research and development. A total of 44 awardees received over $5.4 million in funding nationwide.

FAST’s objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses and startups across the country, particularly those from underserved communities to help them benefit from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. Through FAST, the SBA continues to play a critical role in creating inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and helping American entrepreneurs grow their networks and revenue opportunities with new capital, a priority of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

Josh Nichol-Caddy, Technology Commercialization Director for the Nebraska Small Business Development Center, states that, “through America’s Seed Fund, the Small Business Administration plays a central role in supporting scientific excellence and technological innovation. In Nebraska, federal research funds have helped get cutting-edge medical research, next-generation agricultural technologies, innovations related to national defense, and more to market. NBDC thanks SBA for continuing to support its efforts with the inventors and innovators of Nebraska.”

SBA Nebraska District Director Tim Mittan says, “we are excited the Nebraska Small Business Development Center network is one of the 44 awardees of this year’s FAST Grant. The Nebraska SBDC is in its third year of funding, and this latest $125,000 award comes due to their success with the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program throughout the state.  The SBIR/STTR program’s goal is to provide awards to women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas in the areas of technology in order to stimulate technological innovation. This is generally done through outreach, technical and business assistance, and financial support. We look forward to the continued advancement in Nebraska this funding will bring.”

For more information on the SBA's FAST grants and a list of this year's grantees, go online to https://www.sbir.gov/about-fast.