SBA Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program
Maine Technology Institute
Purpose
MTI received a FAST Award to increase the number of Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) proposals submitted to federal agencies by small businesses, leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards from women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses throughout Maine as an underrepresented state. This award will be used to help build the SBIR/STTR ecosystem through outreach, expanded technical and business assistance, and targeted financial support.
Focus
Our effort will focus primarily on further raising awareness of the SBIR/STTR programs and Maine’s support programs, working to generate a larger and better qualified pool of Phase I applicants submitting competitive proposals to one of 11 federal agencies mid to late 2023. The goals are to encourage participation, highlight the strong benefits of the SBIR/STTR programs, and underscore how the programs differ from other early-stage funding opportunities.
Additional Activities
Education and Outreach
MTI presented several workshops (Train the Trainer) educating our ecosystem partners and companies about the SBIR/STTR programs, with support materials including updated case studies and an assessment tool. Separate workshops will be held with companies.
Applicant Identification and Development/Coaching
Prospective companies well-positioned to apply for SBIR/STTR programs will be recruited and assigned a coaching/mentoring partner organization or program to support their business and technical development efforts. Special emphasis will be made to recruit women and socially/economically disadvantaged individuals.
Proposal Development
Companies may receive assistance with their proposal development, including budget creation, commercialization and market research services from MTI’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) team for submission of proposals in the summer/fall 2023 timeframe. They may also apply for MTI’s support funding for hiring of Subject Matter Experts and/or grant writing support.
Funded [in part] through a cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration