Congratulations to UNHInnovation at the University of New Hampshire SBA FAST Grant Award Recipient

The SBA awarded a grant to UNHInnovation at the University of New Hampshire in Durham to provide specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for research and development (R&D) focused on small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. With the new grant funding, the FOSTER program strives to empower New Hampshire small businesses by providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in research and development and to help businesses leverage SBIR/STTR programs. 

“We are thrilled that UNHInnovation has received further SBA support through the FAST Partnership Program, this being the fourth year in a row. This vital funding enhances their efforts to create greater awareness of SBIR and STTR programs and the impact these programs can have on innovative businesses looking to fund their research and scale their businesses”, said Amy Bassett, NH SBA district director.

“The Innovation team at the University of New Hampshire is so pleased to steward this new FAST award. The FAST program represents one of the strongest support entities in our state to advance technology-driven small businesses and startups. Our program, FOSTER, helps accelerate commercialization through SBIR grants, provides expertise, and connects a community of small business technology innovators. We are grateful to provide this service to NH companies on behalf of FAST and the US Small Business Administration”, said Marc Eichenberger, Associate Vice President and Chief Business and Innovation officer, at the University of New Hampshire.

FAST’s objective is to improve outcomes for underserved communities by increasing participation from woman-owned, rural-based, or socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which are known as America’s Seed Fund. 

This year, the FAST program increased the maximum funding available by 60% to expand the geographic footprint of FAST and increase engagement of underserved, geographic, and demographic innovators across the country. As a result, FAST awardee organizations will provide support across 48 states and Puerto Rico. FAST organizations work locally and provide person-to-person support and training that increases the probability of success for entrepreneurs and small businesses pursuing SBIR or STTR contracts and grants.