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Office of Economic Engagement

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FAST Program

USC Office of Economic Engagement's Federal and State Technology (FAST) program provides technical assistance, education, and outreach to South Carolina small businesses.

FAST Program Goals

  • Increase the number of competitive SBIR/STTR grant proposals from South Carolina companies
  • Increase the number of SBIR/STTR grant awards for women, veteran, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses throughout South Carolina with an emphasis on underrepresented areas

How We Can Help

Education
  • Grow the pipeline of South Carolina companies funded through SBIR/STTR grant awards
  • Increase collaborations among South Carolina companies and other state and federally funded programs
  • Track data on grant proposals submitted and awards won by South Carolina companies
  • Highlight and connect South Carolina business community to intellectual property, companies, and support partners
Technical and Business Assistance
  • Guide entrepreneurs and startup companies through idea development and entity formation
  • Support startup companies through educational programs and professional services that improve proposal development 
  • Provide assistance that leads to the commercialization of technology developed through SBIR/STTR grant funding
  • Cultivate South Carolina mentoring networks to provide business advice
Outreach
  • Increase the pipeline of competitive SBIR/STTR grant applicants through training and outreach
  • Connect to existing mentor networks to cultivate and expande mentor support for small businesses
  • Provide tailored outreach and educational programs to entrepreneurs and small businesses, offering resources, workshops, and one-on-one consultations to support growth, and navigate the grant process

Events

November 22 

Midlands Resource Partner Meeting - Richland County Library

Location: 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm 

December 10

SCRA Greenville 

Location: Greenville

Time: TBD

December 17

SCRA Columbia

Location: Columbia

Time: TBD

What Can SBIR + STTR Funding Be Used For? 

  • Development of a proof of concept or prototype
  • Hiring of staff or subject-matter experts
  • Purchasing of materials and equipment
  • Funding Research partnerships between small business and universities
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This program is made possible with funding from the US Small Business Administration (SBA) to promote America’s Seed Fund: SBIR-STTR.

Learn More

 

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