Got a great idea for an innovation but not sure where to go for support and funding? Central Washington University could be your go-to. 

CWU’s Business and Community Services, or BCS, office recently received a Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program designation from Gov. Bob Ferguson and the U.S. Small Business Administration. 

Along with an initial reward of $180,000 from SBA, the designation makes CWU the statewide access point for those wanting to tap into a nationwide pool of more than $4.3 billion for small business innovation research funding. 

“This program provides us with the foundation we need to identify and support the kinds of ideas that will attract investors at all different levels for the many innovative ideas coming out of this area,” said Rob Ogburn, executive director for BCS, in a statement. 

The FAST Program provides small businesses and startups around the country with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance to compete for research and development funding through America’s Seed Fund. 

FAST awards are good for 12 months and can be renewed for up to three years, with a goal of ensuring that U.S. small businesses – regardless of where they are located – have the tools and local support they need to compete for federal research and development funding, commercialize breakthrough technologies, create jobs, and build the industrial base of the future. 

In 2025, more than $112 million was awarded to Washington small businesses, with most going to projects in the Puget Sound area. 

“What’s so exciting for me is that BCS is developing an entire suite of programs that are designed to strengthen the state’s small business ecosystem – which is exactly what the FAST grant is intended for,” said FAST Grant Program Director Kate Hoy in a statement. “Securing this funding is really going to put CWU on the map because we’re going to be providing services that other regions don’t have access to.” 

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, has also thrown her support behind CWU’s efforts in recent months, agreeing to bring a $3 million spending request to Congress next year to convert the Old Heat facility near campus into a small business incubator.

No-cost resources were expected to begin rolling out in November. In 2027, CWU will start regional outreach and train-the-trainer workshops. 

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