GSP was awarded $50,000 in prize money to catalyze relationships and develop Growth Accelerator Partnerships
WASHINGTON– Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Greater Seattle Partners (GSP) as a Stage One winner for the 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. GSP will receive a $50,000 cash prize to build strategic partnerships that will support the launch, growth, and scale of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses.
GSP’s award-winning model will amplify the impact and success of Growth Accelerator Partnerships and will work to foster and facilitate a thriving national ecosystem that advances equitable investment in innovative high growth small businesses. This year’s Competition has brought together organizations, entities, groups, and individuals beyond geographic boundaries to support innovators and innovation needed to confront the challenges of today.
Winners of Stage One were selected through a multi-tier review panel process with experts in entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and strategic planning both inside and out of the federal government. Applications and pitch videos were reviewed by expert judges submitted by the finalists.
Greater Seattle Partners will now compete for an additional $50,000 to $150,000 later this summer. From inequity and climate change, to supporting national defense and community-driven economic prosperity, the real opportunity is now to build up innovation ecosystems and GSP is eager to make an impact.
Stage Two cash prizes will support the “Growth Accelerator Partnerships” to further develop strong innovation ecosystems to fast-track building and scaling of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses. Organizations who were not selected in Stage One, as well as diverse local, regional, and national entities from any sector or location are eligible to connect with Stage One winners to develop partnerships in a bid for Stage Two prizes.
For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit wwww.sbir.gov/accelerators
About GSEA
The Greater Seattle Export Accelerator (GSEA) initiative will convene public and private sector interests in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties in order to give greater access to export resources – as well as international trade expertise to innovative growth-stage companies, underserved communities, and minority and women-owned small businesses.
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