The Washington Technology Center (WTC) recently received a Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program award from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The grant will be used to lead a statewide program that encourages the commercialization of technology research and investment in entrepreneurial technology companies.

FAST is a competitive program that allows winning states to receive funding for programs that promote awareness about government grant opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Washington is one of 21 states to receive a 2004 FAST award. The $95,000 grant is part of a matching funds program that supports program development, community outreach and mentoring services for Washington technology companies. The funding also supports technology-based economic development efforts at the community level in smaller urban and rural areas where growth potential exists. The Washington Technology Center (WTC) is the statewide organization that manages the grant and administers the Washington-specific program called WaFAST. WTC also received a FAST award in 2001.

For more information on the WaFAST program, visit www.watechcenter.org/re/aboutwafast.