On Jan. 14, the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced the 59 winners of the Tibbetts Award, including the New Mexico Federal and State Technology Partnership Program, NM FAST, as one of only seven organizations.  

NM FAST is housed in New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center.  

“NM FAST provides [Small Business Innovation Research] and [Small Business Technology Transfer] proposal development assistance to small businesses throughout NM,” according to their website.

The Small Business Innovation Research, and Small Business Technology Transfer programs fund small businesses across the country and has been nicknamed “America’s Seed Fund.” NM FAST helps small businesses in New Mexico apply to the programs.  

The Tibbetts Award is awarded to companies, organizations and individuals that exemplify the ideas of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs and is named after the SBIR program founder Roland Tibbets. 

Director of Strategic Operations and SBIR Program Director Dana DeRego Catron said NM FAST found out they had received the award in an email from the Small Business Administration. 

“We were honored to receive the award, and it felt good to have external validation that the work and programs we built—from scratch—are having an impact in NM and receiving recognition, nationally,” Catron said. 

Even though the award was just recognition Catron said the recognition will help NM FAST secure more opportunities to help more small businesses in New Mexico.  

“Arrowhead Center, NM FAST, and NMSU are committed to serving the entire State of NM, this award is a testament to that commitment.”  

Catron said they work to make sure they can provide the assistance needed to help small businesses with the challenges SBIR/STTR applicants and awardees face. 

“Arrowhead has been—and continues to be—a contributor to New Mexico’s innovation ecosystem. This award is a great example of how we are actively working to ensure entrepreneurs and innovators have the support they need to start, grow, and thrive in our state. We… are excited about the future of the program,” Catron said.