The MS-FAST Program, led by Innovate Mississippi, aims to increase the number of SBIR and STTR proposals from small businesses in Mississippi leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards. The program is supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) via its FAST partnership program.
SBIR and STTR are highly competitive programs that encourage small business to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from commercialization opportunities.
The USM Business & Innovation Assistant Center (USM/BIAC) provides technical support to the MS-FAST Program. To meet the goals of the program MS-FAST provides:
Outreach
Outreach to increase the pipeline of possible applicants and build the capacity of partner organizations and individuals to refer possible SBIR/STTR applicants through train-the-trainer activities. For info on events and workshops click here.
Technical
Assistance
Technical assistance and services that improve proposal development and team creation; technology commercialization of SBIR/STTR innovations; and mentoring. For more information and resources click here.
Financial
Support
Financial support via the MS-FAST "Phase 0" program to make grants to help cover the cost of developing SBIR/STTR proposals, attending relevant conferences, and other needs. For more information and how to apply: click here.
By including small businesses in the nation's R&D, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the nation gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs. The SBIR and STTR programs award nearly $3 billion in contracts and grants annually to small businesses. These two programs target the entrepreneurial sector because that is where most innovation and innovators thrive. However, the risk and expense of conducting serious R&D efforts are often beyond the means of many small businesses. By reserving a specific percentage of federal R&D funds for small business, SBIR and STTR protect the small business and enable it to compete on the same level as larger businesses. This program funds the critical startup and development stages and it encourages the commercialization of the technology, product, or service, which, in turn, stimulates the U.S. economy.
For more information and to request assistance contact Joe Graben, Director USM/BIAC.
This MS-FAST page is currently undergoing redevelopment with additional information and resources to be added in the near future. Please check back for updates. In the meantime for more information and resources click here.
SBA's funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.