The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

The EIC pilot supports top-class innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists with bright ideas and the ambition to scale up internationally. It brings together the parts of Horizon 2020 that provide funding, advice and networking opportunities for those at cutting edge of innovation.

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services across multiple states, including the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky. It serves approximately 8.2 million electric customers and over 1.6 million natural gas customers, demonstrating a significant presence in the energy sector. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas. Furthermore, Duke Energy is committed to sustainability and includes a range of renewable energy assets in its portfolio. Founded in 1837 and originally known as Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company, Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continues to play a vital role in powering communities while focusing on reliable and clean energy solutions.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2000. It focuses on addressing global inequities by promoting initiatives in education, health, and community support, particularly for low-income families in the Pacific Northwest. The foundation aims to improve health outcomes and alleviate extreme poverty worldwide, funding a variety of programs and strategies to achieve these goals. It operates regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom. The foundation's trustees include co-founders Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Warren Buffett, who oversee its grant-making activities and strategic direction.

NC IDEA is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies. Since its inception in 2005, NC IDEA has provided critical funding through its grant programs, including NC IDEA SEED, which offers $50,000 grants to innovative startups with proven concepts, and NC IDEA MICRO, which provides $10,000 to help young companies validate and advance their ideas. Through these initiatives, NC IDEA aims to reduce the risks associated with scaling startups while also offering mentorship and guidance. The organization has awarded over $7.2 million in grants to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent still operating today. Collectively, these companies have raised over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs, demonstrating the significant impact of NC IDEA on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Carolina.

NASA's vision is to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1958, partially in response to the Soviet Union's launch of the first artificial satellite the previous year. NASA grew out of the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), which had been researching flight technology for more than 40 years. President John F. Kennedy focused NASA and the nation on sending astronauts to the moon by the end of the 1960s. Through the Mercury and Gemini projects, NASA developed the technology and skills it needed for the journey. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first of 12 men to walk on the moon, meeting Kennedy's challenge. Meanwhile, NASA was continuing the aeronautics research pioneered by NACA. It also conducted purely scientific research and worked on developing applications for space technology, combining both pursuits in developing the first weather and communications satellites. After Apollo, NASA focused on creating a reusable ship to provide regular access to space: the space shuttle. First launched in 1981, the space shuttle flew more than 130 successful flights before retiring in 2011. In 2000, the United States and Russia established permanent human presence in space aboard the International Space Station, a multinational project representing the work of 16 nations. NASA also has continued its scientific research. In 1997, Mars Pathfinder became the first in a fleet of spacecraft that will explore Mars in the next decade, as we try to determine if life ever existed there. The Terra and Aqua satellites are flagships of a different fleet, this one in Earth orbit, designed to help us understand how our home world is changing. NASA's aeronautics teams are focused on improved aircraft travel that is safer and cleaner. Throughout its history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous improvements to life here on Earth.

MassVentures is a venture capital firm based in Waltham, Massachusetts, established in 1978 as a quasi-public corporation by the Massachusetts Legislature. The firm focuses on providing seed and early-stage funding to high-growth startups, facilitating their transition from concept to commercialization. MassVentures invests primarily in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, e-commerce, mobile, manufacturing, and robotics. With a governance structure that includes an independent Board of Directors and management by experienced venture capitalists, MassVentures leverages the state's entrepreneurial spirit and innovation centers to support the Massachusetts innovation economy. The firm also offers accelerator programs to further assist emerging companies in their growth journey.

KeyBank National Association, a subsidiary of KeyCorp, is a comprehensive financial services provider based in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1849, it offers a wide array of retail and commercial banking products across the United States through its Consumer Bank and Commercial Bank segments. KeyBank provides essential services such as checking and savings accounts, loans (including home equity, personal, and auto loans), credit cards, and investment products like individual retirement accounts and mutual funds. Additionally, the bank offers wealth management, financial advisory, and community development financing. Its operations include a network of branches and ATMs, as well as online and mobile banking platforms, ensuring accessibility for customers. KeyBank's diverse offerings cater to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and middle-market clients, making it one of the largest bank-based financial services companies in the nation.

Google is a multinational corporation that specializes in Internet-related services and products, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. Its primary offerings include Google Search, which helps users find information online, and a range of advertising services such as AdWords and AdSense. The company also provides various consumer and business tools, including Google Drive for collaboration, Google Maps for navigation, and Google Play for digital entertainment. Additionally, Google has ventured into hardware with products like Chromebooks and smart devices. The company is also focused on artificial intelligence through Google AI, developing advanced technologies to enhance its products. Furthermore, Google engages in philanthropic efforts through Google.org, supporting organizations that leverage technology for social good.

M&T Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization. The M&T Charitable Foundation strives to strengthen communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations through grants, employee volunteerism and in-kind services.

NBCUniversal is a prominent media and entertainment company that develops, produces, and markets a wide range of entertainment, news, and information for a global audience. Formed from the merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment in 2004, the company is headquartered in New York and has operations in several states, as well as in London. NBCUniversal encompasses a diverse portfolio that includes broadcast and cable television networks, a motion picture studio, television production facilities, a television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Additionally, it offers a variety of digital properties and streaming services, allowing consumers to access its content across multiple platforms and devices. The company's commitment to excellence and innovation drives its success in the competitive media landscape.

European Regional Development Fund encourages innovation, enhances regeneration, and provides support to businesses in the European Union.

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is a venture capital investment firm based in Ottawa, established in 2001. The organization focuses on funding and supporting Canadian cleantech projects, helping companies advance innovative technologies to market. SDTC's investments span various sectors, including agriculture, energy efficiency, green buildings, transportation, and waste management. By fostering the growth of these companies, SDTC aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and generate export opportunities while delivering environmental and health benefits to Canadians. Operating independently, SDTC collaborates with a diverse network of partners from private industry, academia, and government, both domestically and internationally, to enhance the impact of its initiatives. The organization receives funding from the Government of Canada to further its mission.

Created to facilitate applied research, product development and commercialization programs, and to strengthen South Carolina's Knowledge Economy by creating high wage-earning jobs. SC Launch provides entrepreneurs with key tools for success to help build technology startups, jobs and equity in the future for South Carolina. SC Launch provides access to business, academic and economic development entities through the SC Launch Resource Network. SC Launch is a collaboration among SCRA and South Carolina's university research foundations: Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a wide range of financing solutions and support services for businesses at various stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, the company offers medium to long-term loans, export insurance, real estate and equipment leasing, and working capital loans. Bpifrance also invests in startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies through direct investments and fund management activities. Additionally, it provides consulting services for executives and training for CEOs, aiming to facilitate innovation and growth. Bpifrance was formed from the merger of several entities in July 2013, including OSEO, CDC Entreprises, and FSI, to enhance its role in supporting the financing of the French economy.

The Jim Joseph Foundation, established in 2006, is a non-profit organization based in the United States dedicated to enhancing Jewish education for young Jews. Collaborating with various grantee-partners, the Foundation aims to create impactful Jewish learning experiences across diverse settings. By awarding grants to effective organizations, it seeks to engage, educate, and inspire young Jewish individuals, fostering a sense of joy and connection to vibrant Jewish life. The Foundation recognizes the importance of dynamic learning environments and is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of Jewish youth and young adults.

American Water Works Company, Inc. is the largest investor-owned water and wastewater utility in the United States, providing essential services to approximately 3.4 million customers across 16 states. The company caters to a diverse clientele, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public sector customers, ensuring access to drinking water and wastewater management. Its operations encompass around 80 surface water treatment plants, 520 groundwater treatment plants, and 140 wastewater treatment plants, supported by a vast network of over 52,500 miles of transmission and distribution mains. Additionally, American Water offers warranty protection programs and operates under long-term contracts for military installations. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, the company serves an estimated 15 million people, demonstrating a significant presence in the water utility sector.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is an independent philanthropic nonprofit organization based in New York City, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., the former President and CEO of General Motors. Its primary mission is to provide grants that support original research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. The foundation aims to promote advancements in these disciplines through its funding initiatives, which are governed and administered by a board of trustees. By focusing on these areas, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation seeks to foster innovation and improve understanding in critical fields that impact society.

Bank of America is a prominent financial institution headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, that offers a comprehensive range of banking, investing, asset management, and risk management services. It serves approximately 51 million consumer and small business relationships through a network of around 5,300 retail banking offices and 16,350 ATMs, alongside robust online and mobile banking platforms. The bank supports approximately 3 million small business owners with innovative online products and services. It operates in over 40 countries, providing tailored wealth management, corporate banking, and trading solutions for corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals. Established in 1874, Bank of America has grown to become a leader in its field, known for its extensive support and diverse financial offerings.

The Advanced Propulsion Centre was created by the Automotive Council to help companies turn low carbon technologies into products.

Microsoft Corporation is a leading American multinational technology company based in Redmond, Washington, that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a diverse range of software products and services. Its offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, and a variety of enterprise solutions through Microsoft Dynamics, which encompasses customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Additionally, Microsoft provides gaming hardware like Xbox consoles, as well as cloud services via Microsoft Azure. The company also runs several global accelerator programs, such as those in London, Seattle, Beijing, and Paris, aimed at nurturing startups by providing mentorship, technical support, and resources to foster growth and innovation. With a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, Microsoft for Startups offers free access to its cloud services and facilitates connections with its extensive partner ecosystem. Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, Microsoft has established itself as a pivotal player in the technology sector, serving both consumer and commercial markets worldwide.

Exact Sciences Corporation, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, specializes in cancer screening and diagnostic tests, both in the United States and internationally. The company is best known for Cologuard, a non-invasive stool-based DNA test designed to detect colorectal cancer and pre-cancer. Additionally, Exact Sciences offers Oncotype DX, a suite of gene expression tests that assess recurrence risk and chemotherapy benefits for breast, prostate, and colon cancers. The company is actively developing liquid biopsy tests aimed at improving cancer detection and monitoring, including tests for molecular residual disease and additional cancers. Exact Sciences holds exclusive intellectual property for its screening technology, which is recognized in the colorectal cancer screening guidelines of leading medical organizations.

Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation committed to increasing the proportion of Americans with degrees, certificates and other high-quality credentials to 60 percent by 2025. Lumina’s outcomes-based approaLumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation committed to increasing the proportion of Americans with degrees, certificates and other high-quality credentials to 60 percent by 2025. Lumina’s outcomes-based approach focuses on helping to design and build an equitable, accessible, responsive and accountable higher education system while fostering a national sense of urgency for action to achieve Goal 2025.ch focuses on helping to design and build an equitable, accessible, responsive and accountable higher education system while fostering a national sense of urgency for action to achieve Goal 2025.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is a nonprofit organization based in New York, established in 2000 by Deborah Brooks. The foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease and developing improved therapies for individuals currently living with the condition. It achieves its mission through a well-funded and targeted research program, actively engaging a diverse community that includes scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors, and volunteers. By fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of Parkinson's research, the foundation aims to accelerate progress and enhance the quality of life for those affected by the disease.

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's primary economic development agency, operating as a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Its mission is to foster economic growth by supporting the development of innovative, high-wage industries with a strong international presence. The organization plays a crucial role in assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in securing financing, helping them engage with funders and access the necessary capital for expansion. Scottish Enterprise invests through its arm, the Scottish Investment Bank, which focuses on various sectors, including renewable energy, life sciences, and creative industries. The firm engages in both direct and fund-of-fund investing, typically providing financial support in the form of equity or loans ranging from £0.01 million to £10 million. Additionally, it collaborates with public and private sectors and works alongside UK and international investors to enhance the funding landscape for Scottish businesses. Through these initiatives, Scottish Enterprise aims to create a sustainable economic impact and strengthen the funding market within Scotland.

Start-Up Chile, founded in 2010 and based in Santiago, is a public business accelerator designed to attract world-class entrepreneurs to establish their startups in Chile. It is recognized as one of the largest and most diverse accelerators globally, accommodating up to 160 startups annually through two distinct programs: TSF, which focuses on pre-acceleration for startups with female founders, and Seed, aimed at startups with less than three years of development. The accelerator supports a wide range of sectors, including e-commerce, software, social media, education, clean technology, advertising, applications, and information technology. Additionally, Start-Up Chile manages a venture capital fund, Start-Up Chile SCALE, which invests in Latin American startups primarily in the software and technology sectors.

Innovate Alabama is working to lead the way in innovation by making it easier for innovators and entrepreneurs to grow and plant roots.

UK Space Agency is a govt. organisation of UK.

The California Energy Commission serves as the state's primary energy policy and planning agency, established by the Legislature in 1974 and headquartered in Sacramento. Its responsibilities encompass forecasting future energy needs, maintaining historical energy data, and licensing thermal power plants with capacities of 50 megawatts or greater. The Commission promotes energy efficiency by establishing appliance and building standards, collaborating with local governments to ensure compliance. It also supports public interest energy research and the development of renewable energy technologies through various incentives, including those for solar systems in new home construction and small wind installations. Additionally, the Commission implements the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program and coordinates the state's response to energy emergencies. Through these initiatives, the Commission aims to provide Californians with affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy choices.

Space3ac, founded in 2015 and based in Gdańsk, Poland, is an accelerator program that supports startups in developing solutions for various business challenges faced by large industry players. The program provides financial support of up to 45,000 euros, mentorship from international experts in both technical and business domains, office space, and access to investors. Space3ac focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including IoT, AR/VR, Smart City initiatives, Prop-Tech, artificial intelligence, employee engagement solutions, and innovations in HR platforms. Additionally, it addresses challenges in hardware and software development, as well as solutions tailored for seaports, telecommunications, gas stations, and the aerospace industry. Importantly, participating startups are not required to relinquish equity in their businesses to join the accelerator.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts functions as a government administration, overseeing various state services and regulatory functions. One of its key agencies, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, provides critical resources and services related to taxation. This includes offering detailed tax forms and instructions, mailing addresses for submissions, and estimated tax payment vouchers. The Department also facilitates the filing of extensions for personal income or fiduciary tax, along with essential information pertinent to the tax filing season, such as tax guides and legal resources. Additionally, it manages tax-related issues including bills, collections, audits, and appeals, while also supporting tax professionals and software developers. The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate within the department further assists individuals navigating the complexities of tax obligations.

Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that operates under the Spectrum brand. Formed in 2016 from the merger of Legacy Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, Charter has a significant presence in the industry, providing television, internet, and phone services to approximately 58 million homes and businesses, which accounts for around 40% of the United States. The company serves 30 million residential and 2 million commercial customer accounts, making it the second-largest cable provider in the country, following Comcast. Additionally, Charter owns various sports and news networks, including Spectrum SportsNet, which holds long-term local rights to Los Angeles sports.

Nike is a leading global brand in athletic footwear and apparel, renowned for its innovative designs and extensive product range. The company develops and markets various categories of footwear, including running, basketball, soccer, and lifestyle shoes, alongside a diverse selection of athletic apparel and equipment. Key brands under Nike include Jordan and Converse, which cater to both premium athletic and casual markets. Footwear accounts for approximately two-thirds of Nike's total sales. The company distributes its products worldwide through a combination of company-owned stores, franchised outlets, and third-party retailers, as well as through its e-commerce platforms in over 40 countries. Nike's manufacturing is primarily outsourced to contract manufacturers across more than 30 countries. Founded in 1964, Nike is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Humana, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a leading private health insurer in the United States, primarily focused on Medicare Advantage plans and government-sponsored programs. The company serves a diverse range of consumers, including families, seniors, military members, and self-employed individuals, tailoring its offerings to meet various health care needs. Humana's operations encompass individual and group Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, and the TRICARE program for military personnel. Additionally, it offers stand-alone prescription drug plans for seniors and provides a range of healthcare services, such as primary care, at-home services, and pharmacy benefit management. Through its subsidiary, Humana Veterans, the company specifically addresses the healthcare needs of veterans by creating a network of providers in 23 states, ensuring that veterans receive necessary services when they cannot access care through the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

First Bank is a banking service, financial planning, asset management, and wealth management company.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) was established in 2005 after the approval of Proposition 71, which allocated $3 billion for stem cell research in California. This initiative aimed to enhance research capabilities at state universities and institutions by creating a dedicated agency for grant and loan distribution related to stem cell research and development. CIRM's mission focuses on advancing stem cell research and regenerative medicine, adhering to the highest ethical and medical standards. The organization seeks to foster the discovery and development of cures, therapies, diagnostics, and research technologies to alleviate human suffering caused by chronic diseases and injuries. CIRM has demonstrated its commitment to this mission by funding significant projects, including awarding over $13 million to support clinical trials that explore innovative treatment strategies.

BankNewport is a banking firm offering personal and business banking products and services in Rhode Island.

The Otto Bremer Trust Foundation is an independent foundation based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Established in 1944, the foundation assists people in achieving full economic, civic, and social participation in and for the betterment of their communities. The trust makes a measurable and meaningful impact for positive change in communities throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin. The assets of the foundation are managed by the executive management team.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is an insurance company based in Richardson, Texas. Established in 1929, the company provides health, property, and casualty insurance products. The company is still focused on providing financially sound healthcare coverage. It operates as a subsidiary of the Health Care Service Corporation. The assets are managed by the executive team.

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services institution headquartered in San Francisco, California, founded in 1852. It offers a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, insurance, and consumer finance products to individuals, businesses, and institutions both in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three main segments: Community Banking, which includes personal banking services such as checking accounts, loans, and credit cards; Wholesale Banking, which provides commercial and corporate banking services, including asset-based lending and treasury management; and Wealth and Investment Management, offering personalized financial planning, investment management, and retirement services. With significant assets and a substantial presence, Wells Fargo operates thousands of retail branches and ATMs across North America and around the globe. The firm also engages in corporate and investment banking through its subsidiaries, delivering a comprehensive suite of financial services to meet diverse client needs.

American Student Assistance is a Boston-based foundation established in 1956, dedicated to assisting students in exploring their educational and career opportunities. With over six decades of experience, the foundation aims to empower students to make informed decisions about their future paths early in life. Through various programs and resources, American Student Assistance provides guidance and support, helping young individuals navigate their options in education and career planning. The foundation is managed by an executive team that oversees its initiatives and ensures the effective use of its resources to achieve its mission.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Overview & History Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. The SBA was officially established in 1953, but its philosophy and mission began to take shape years earlier in a number of predecessor agencies, largely as a response to the pressures of the Great Depression and World War II. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC), created by President Herbert Hoover in 1932 to alleviate the financial crisis of the Great Depression, was SBA's grandparent. The RFC was basically a federal lending program for all businesses hurt by the Depression, large and small. It was adopted as the personal project of Hoover's successor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was staffed by some of Roosevelt's most capable and dedicated workers. Concern for small business intensified during World War II, when large industries beefed up production to accommodate wartime defense contracts and smaller businesses were left unable to compete. To help small business participate in war production and give them financial viability, Congress created the Smaller War Plants Corporation (SWPC) in 1942. The SWPC provided direct loans to private entrepreneurs, encouraged large financial institutions to make credit available to small enterprises, and advocated small business interests to federal procurement agencies and big businesses. The SWPC was dissolved after the war, and its lending and contract powers were handed over to the RFC. At this time, the Office of Small Business (OSB) in the Department of Commerce also assumed some responsibilities that would later become characteristic duties of the SBA. Its services were primarily educational. Believing that a lack of information and expertise was the main cause of small business failure, the OSB produced brochures and conducted management counseling for individual entrepreneurs. Congress created another wartime organization to handle small business concerns during the Korean War, this time called the Small Defense Plants Administration (SDPA). Its functions were similar to those of the SWPC, except that ultimate lending authority was retained by the RFC. The SDPA certified small businesses to the RFC when it had determined the businesses to be competent to perform the work of government contracts. By 1952, a move was on to abolish the RFC. To continue the important functions of the earlier agencies, President Dwight Eisenhower proposed creation of a new small business agency -- the Small Business Administration (SBA). In the Small Business Act of July 30, 1953, Congress created the Small Business Administration, whose function was to "aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns." The charter also stipulated that the SBA would ensure small businesses a "fair proportion" of government contracts and sales of surplus property. By 1954, SBA already was making direct business loans and guaranteeing bank loans to small businesses, as well as making loans to victims of natural disasters, working to get government procurement contracts for small businesses and helping business owners with management and technical assistance and business training. The Investment Company Act of 1958 established the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program, under which SBA licensed, regulated and helped provide funds for privately owned and operated venture capital investment firms. They specialized in providing long-term debt and equity investments to high-risk small businesses. Its creation was the result of a Federal Reserve study that discovered, in the simplest terms, that small businesses could not get the credit they needed to keep pace with technological advancement. In 1964, SBA began to attack poverty through the Equal Opportunity Loan (EOL) Program. The EOL Program relaxed the credit and collateral requirements for applicants living below the poverty level in an effort to encourage new businesses that had been unable to attract financial backing, but were nevertheless sound commercial initiatives. SBA has grown in terms of total assistance provided and its array of programs tailored to encourage small enterprises in all areas. SBA's programs now include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, and specialized outreach to women, minorities and armed forces veterans. The SBA also provides loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade.

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is a quasi-public agency dedicated to fostering innovation within the life sciences sector in Massachusetts. Established under the Massachusetts Life Sciences Act, the Center's mission is to create jobs and enhance scientific research that benefits public health. It provides financial support to both public and private entities engaged in life sciences research, development, and commercialization, focusing on areas such as biopharma, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. The MLSC operates an Accelerator Loan Program aimed at offering working capital to early-stage life sciences companies with strong potential for growth and technology commercialization. Through these initiatives, the Center aims to strengthen the ties within the Massachusetts life sciences community and promote economic development driven by innovation.

Pluralsight operates a cloud-based technology skills platform that focuses on providing online training for software developers, IT administrators, and creative professionals. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Farmington, Utah, the platform offers over 3,000 courses, skill assessments, and analytics tools that help organizations and individuals develop essential technology skills. Pluralsight Skills allows users to engage in curated learning experiences, while Pluralsight Flow provides insights into workflow patterns to enhance developer productivity. The company serves a diverse clientele, including businesses, academic institutions, and government entities, in more than 150 countries, aiming to facilitate professional growth and support digital transformation initiatives.

MedTech Innovator is a nonprofit global competition and accelerator based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on supporting companies in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostic sectors. The organization aims to enhance patient outcomes by fostering the growth of businesses that contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system. Each year, MedTech Innovator showcases 100 companies that align with key themes identified through surveys of industry leaders. The accelerator's diverse portfolio includes firms involved in consumer healthcare, imaging, remote patient monitoring, clinical studies, and workflow optimization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.

Wayra UK Limited is an accelerator focused on early-stage technology startups, primarily in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, and smart transport. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, it operates as a subsidiary of Wayra Investigación y Desarrollo, S.L.U. Wayra UK provides various acceleration programs that include direct cash investments, such as up to €0.25 million for its Wayra Call and £34,000 for the Velocity Health program, which also offers an additional cash prize. Other initiatives include the Wayra Fair By Design program and the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator, which supports cybersecurity startups with grants. The firm aims to connect innovative entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and a network of partners to foster business growth, leveraging its affiliation with Telefónica to enhance its reach within the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Naples Children & Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that improves the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children. They also support effective, disciplined charitable programs.