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SBA's Regional Innovation Clusters (RICs) deliver direct support to innovative small businesses and startups across the country. RICs provide services like accelerators, market research, customer discovery, and government and commercial contracting assistance.
Want to work with an RIC? Look below to see if there is an RIC that focuses on your industry or technology.
List of RICs
Defense Alliance
Region served: Upper Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin)
Technologies/Industries supported: Defense, aerospace, high-technology for both federal and commercial markets
Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster, StartUp Junkie Consulting, LLC
Regions served: Northeast Texas, Southern Arkansas, Northern Louisiana, and West Mississippi
Technologies/Industries supported: Lithium for the clean energy and electric vehicle transition
Ozark Regional Innovation Cluster, Startup Junkie Consulting, LLC
Regions served: Ozark region (counties in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma)
Technologies/Industries supported:
- Retail/retail technology
- Food/food technology
- Supply chain/supply chain technology
- Artificial intelligence/machine learning
- Cybersecurity
- Health tech
Pioneer Materials
Region served: Southwest Montana
Technologies/ Industries supported: Advanced engineering and critical materials
Need help?
Learn the latest news about RICs or look through their most recent awards. If you have any questions about RICs or about accessing services from a RIC, please email RICs@sba.gov.
RICs are managed by SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation (OII).