Project Code: SBA-USA-4
| Project Title | Grow the Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem |
|---|---|
| Project Summary | Support the participation of communities of color and people with disabilities in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Build outreach and communication strategy, compile data, and get us closer to helping more underrepresented entrepreneurs access America’s Seed Fund. |
| Country | United States |
| Agency | Small Business Administration |
| DoS Office | N/A |
| Post | N/A |
| Section | N/A |
| Number of Interns | 1 |
The SBA’s Innovation and Technology team is mission-driven and focused on helping talented entrepreneurs in science, technology and innovation get access to seed capital to grow their businesses, and the US economy. Resources and access to capital are not reaching all Americans evenly, and the economic impacts of COVID-19 could increase this inequality. The best ideas can come from anywhere, but 80% of all venture capital (VC) investment has been concentrated in just three states, and in 2016, only 1% of VC dollars went to African American and Latino founders, and less than 2% went to female founders. Ensuring that access to resources and capital are available to all Americans is critical in creating a robust and dynamic workforce with inclusive growth, and ensuring the benefits of entrepreneurship accrue across the nation.
- Help strategize for effective messaging across outreach channels
- Research trends and make recommendations on topics to cover
- Identify partnership opportunities with organizations that support underrepresented communities
- Compile information on best practices for federal agencies as well as entrepreneur support organizations
| Skill(s) |
|---|
| Design thinking |
| Marketing |
| Research |
| Writing |
Since 1953, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) has worked to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
The SBA Office of Innovation and Technology coordinates the Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs, which fund a diverse portfolio of startups and small businesses across technology areas and markets to stimulate technological innovation, meet Federal research and development (R&D) needs, and increase commercialization to transition R&D into impact. We foster and encourage participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by all people, including women, people of color, people with disabilities, and entrepreneurs located in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
We are looking for people with a wide variety of skills, so if this opportunity sparks joy and your expertise differs from the skills above, you should still consider applying. Our team values diversity of backgrounds and experience, so we encourage you to bring your whole self to the role.