Mary Ann Kristiansen
Hannah Grimes Center
Executive Director
mak@hannahgrimes.com
U.S. Small Business Administration awards 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition Stage Two prize to Hannah Grimes Center and partners
Keene, NH
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship (HGC) as a Stage Two winner for the 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. HGC will receive a $150,000 cash prize to build strategic partnerships that will support the launch, growth, and scale of STEM/R&D-focused 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. After winning a $50,000 Stage One cash prize earlier this year, HGC continues its efforts to foster and facilitate a thriving national ecosystem that advances equitable investment in innovative high-growth small businesses.
HGC's Executive Director, Mary Ann Kristian, said, "It is an honor to be part of this national cohort of organizations creating strategic partnerships to support the growth of STEM/R&D-focused small businesses. It gives Hannah Grimes the opportunity to bring that support to rural regions, in particular, and allows us to partner with like-minded entrepreneur support organizations based in rural areas across the country. Prevailing culture, not facts, have kept biotech companies from exploring the advantages of rural communities. This national collaboration is a path to get a high-quality, extensive biotech support network for our region's biotech entrepreneurs ramped up quickly."
Winners of Stage Two were selected through a multi-tier review panel process by experts in entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and strategic planning. Applications were reviewed by expert judges and then the Catalyst partnerships participated in an interview process with members of the Office of Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development team.
The SBA intends the Growth Accelerator Partnerships to help entrepreneurs commercialize their R&D efforts by using Stage Two awards for activities including training and mentorship, introducing entrepreneurs to customers and suppliers, and providing opportunities to pitch investors. The Competition also targets accelerators that support businesses and/or geographies that traditionally face barriers in obtaining R&D funds and investment capital.
For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, please visit www.sbir.gov/accelerators
About Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship The Hannah Grimes Center provides space, tools and connections that innovative entrepreneurs need to build strong businesses, thriving local economies and vibrant communities in the Monadnock Region.
The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship 25 Roxbury Street, Keene, NH 03431 603-352-5063 www.HannahGrimes.com
