SBA Expands Regional Innovation Clusters with Four Contract Awards

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has recently announced four contract awards to small businesses and entrepreneur support organizations (ESO) partners. These awards are part of the SBA’s Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) initiative, which aims to promote and support geographically concentrated groups of interconnected businesses, suppliers, service providers, and institutions in specific industries or fields across the U.S. With these new contract awards, the SBA’s RIC program now includes 16 hubs nationwide.

New Awardees

NTouch-BCT Strategies and the New Jersey Cybersecurity Regional Cluster

NTouch-BCT Strategies has been awarded a contract to grow the New Jersey Cybersecurity Regional Cluster. This cluster focuses on providing cybersecurity assessments and supporting the growth of small businesses building cybersecurity technologies and services across five counties in New Jersey. The aim is to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and foster the development of a strong cybersecurity industry in the region.

Shadow Ridge Analytics and Smart Sensing Systems Cluster

Shadow Ridge Analytics has received a contract to establish a Smart Sensing Cluster in Southern Montana. This cluster will concentrate on building the smart sensing industry in the micropolitan statistical and rural areas in and around Bozeman, Butte, and Billings, Montana. The goal is to promote the growth of businesses in this field and leverage smart sensing technologies for various applications.

Returning Awardees

AgLaunch Engine and the Delta Cluster

AgLaunch Engine, a returning awardee, will continue its work in the Delta Cluster. The focus of this cluster is to build a more robust and resilient food supply chain and advance high-growth opportunities in advanced robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence in climate-smart agriculture. AgLaunch Engine aims to support the development of innovative technologies that can revolutionize the agricultural industry.

LSI Business Development and the Defense Alliance Cluster

LSI Business Development, another returning awardee, will continue its collaboration with the Defense Alliance to support small businesses building defense technologies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Defense Alliance Cluster aims to promote innovation in the defense sector and provide resources and opportunities for small businesses in this industry.

Conclusion

The SBA’s Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) initiative plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting geographically concentrated groups of businesses and institutions in specific industries. With the recent contract awards, the RIC program has expanded to include 16 hubs nationwide. These awards will help grow and develop various industries, including cybersecurity, smart sensing, agriculture, and defense. The SBA’s support will enable small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the economic growth and innovation of their respective regions.