Mississippi-registered small businesses (500 or fewer employees) preparing a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I or II proposal can get up to $3,000 for preliminary research, proposal-writing help (including university faculty) and travel to the federal agency. Open year round; apply at least 30 days before the federal due date.
MS-FAST Phase 0 provides up to $3,000 to qualifying Mississippi small businesses to help offset the cost of developing a Phase 1 or Phase 2 SBIR/STTR proposal for a federal agency solicitation. Funds may cover preliminary data research (up to $1,500), proposal writing and assistance including help from a university faculty member (up to $1,500), and travel to the federal agency (up to $1,000); indirect costs are not allowed. The request for proposals is open year round; proposals are due at least 30 days before the federal Phase 1 due date, and selected applicants are notified within 20 days. The program page notes that it is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Small business registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State Office
500 or fewer employees
Other restrictions based on the federal agency's solicitation requirements may apply
Faculty, graduate students and other university personnel are eligible if they have identified a Phase I Mississippi business partner or intend to start their own business in Mississippi if their Phase I proposal is awarded
If NSF is the target agency, a copy of the NSF Project Pitch invitation to submit a full Phase 1 proposal is required
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Money can be used for
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