NEW YORK, NY – October 4, 2024 – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the City University of New York (CUNY) Industrial and Applied Research (IAR) Division the prestigious 2024 FAST Center designation, marking the first time in eight years that New York State will once again have a dedicated SBIR/STTR Assistance Center. The FAST Center will empower small businesses and technology startups across the state by providing them with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance to enhance their competitiveness in securing federal funding for research and development projects.
CUNY IAR’s successful proposal for the FAST Center designation required collaboration with key state stakeholders, including a letter of endorsement from Governor Kathy Hochul, underscoring the importance of innovation in driving economic growth in New York. As the New York State SBIR/STTR Assistance Center, CUNY IAR will develop the “Empire Corps” program that will play a leading role in expanding opportunities for underserved communities, including women-owned, rural-based, and economically disadvantaged small businesses, further aligning with the SBA’s mission to increase equitable access to federal innovation programs.
"This designation represents a pivotal step for New York’s innovation ecosystem," said Ariella Trotsenko, Director for Entrepreneurial Training Programs, CUNY IAR. “With this support, we are poised to strengthen small business participation in the SBIR/STTR programs and drive technological advancement statewide.” The FAST Center will be a vital resource for fostering new ideas and helping local entrepreneurs access early-stage capital through America’s Seed Fund, positioning them to contribute to the nation’s economic growth and technological leadership. The Executive Team of Empire-Corps extends to include Cira Cardaci, Arber Ruci, and John Blaho.
Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization. Empire Corps, led by CUNY IAR, will drive statewide economic development by offering cutting-edge entrepreneurship training and workforce transformation. Empire Corps key partners include incubator/accelerator programs, mission-based investors, manufacturing, intellectual property, and communication consultants, as well as university assets throughout Long Island, New York City, Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, the North Country, Central and Western New York.
The program will begin with a SBIR/STTR Phase 0 initiative, focusing on supporting tech-enabled business development, especially for ventures that may not typically pursue IP-based deep-tech innovation. Through bootcamp-style cohorts, participants will gain essential skills, culminating in a final pitch presentation. Post-cohort, ventures receive personalized mentoring to secure SBIR/STTR grants and early-stage financing. Empire Corps will also provide financial assistance for SBIR/STTR proposal development and conference participation, aiming to increase underrepresented business participation nationwide.
CUNY IAR is also the New York State Innovation Hot Spot designee for New York City and leads the National Science Foundation I-Corps Hub for the New York Region. CUNY IAR has partnered with over 50 public and private technology and economic development assets to spark innovation throughout the region. The CUNY IAR Empire Corps’ goal is to increase the capacity of partner organizations and individuals to support SBIR/STTR applicants and existing awardees in New York State.
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