SBA Looking for Proposals for Regional Clusters Initiative

The Small Business Administration recently announced its Regional Clusters Initiative, which aims to accelerate small business opportunities in existing business clusters by offering technical assistance, business training, counseling and other services.

The SBA is looking to work with 10 to 15 existing regional clusters nationwide in fiscal 2010. These clusters will create and follow roadmaps that enhance their region's ability to compete on a national and global scale, attract further business investments, and create sustainable job growth.

SBA will accept proposals from local and regional cluster initiatives for funding of up to $600,000 per cluster. SBA is launching two programs within the initiative: Regional Innovation  Clusters and Advanced Defense Technologies.

SBA support will be targeted toward the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. To access the agency's request for proposals to participate, frequently asked questions about the initiative and more information, go to www.sba.gov/clusters/index.html. More info on the RIC and ADT clusters is also available at www.fedbizopps.gov.