Y-H. Kim
City University of New York,
United States
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, New York FAST Center, Regional Distribution, Network Partners
Summary:
Introduction The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program funds initiatives to expand SBIR/STTR participation across all regions. Accordingly, in October 2024, the New York FAST (Empires Corps) was awarded by the Small Business Administration to support innovators across New York State (NYS). This study examines the regional composition of participants in Empire Corps (2024–2025) relative to historical SBIR/STTR trends (1983–2024). It further examines the role of referrals from networks partner to provide practical insights. Method The counts of first-time SBIR/STTR awardees and Empires Corps companies were calculated by 10 NYS regions and then were transformed into Palma Ratio and Theil Index to consider power-law distribution. Main Body Result 1 - Comparison of Regional Distribution: SBIR/STTR Awards vs. Empire Corps SBIT/STTR awards have increasingly been concentrated in NYC. Two indicators also statistically and significantly increased over time (p < .05), with notable peaks in 2014 (Palma: 16.0), 2017 (Theil: 0.65), and 2024 (Palma: 11.3). The regional distribution of NYS-registered companies engaged in the Empire Corps (n = 46) reflects the historical trend of NYC concentration (Palma: 13.5; Theil: 0.70). However, a closer look at the quarterly shifts in distribution reveals an improvement in statewide participation. Since Q1 2025, the NY FAST program has seen not only a decrease in the relative share of NYC-based companies but also an expansion in the number of participating regions. Furthermore, when expanding the criteria to all service recipients (n = 143)—including nascent entrepreneurial teams—the metrics indicate a more balanced pattern, particularly for the bottom 40% regions (Palma: 8.8; Theil: 0.69). This suggests that while formal companies in the networks reflect the existing EEs, the Empire Corps provides a more spatially balanced support for innovators across NYS. Result 2 - The Role of Referral from Network Partners in Balanced Entrepreneurial Ecosystem The FAST partner network is concentrated in NYC (48%), reflecting historical trends. Furthermore, the size of the partner network was positively associated with the number of companies engaging in the program via referral, by region (rho = 0.67, p < .05, excluding NYC). Nevertheless, referrals seem to play a crucial role in fostering state-wide participation. Despite the increase in Palma ratio (9.0 to 13.5) by facilitating NYC participation, referrals decreased the Theil index (0.81 to 0.70), suggesting a nascent transition toward a more multi-centric ecosystem. Referrals tend to disproportionately invite companies from other regions, such as the Mid-Hudson (2 to 7) and Capital Region (1 to 4). For all service recipients, a state-wide participation improved consistent (Palma: 12.0 to 8.4; Theil index: 0.77 to 0.67), suggesting referrals effectively extend FAST’s reach. Conclusion This preliminary analysis indicates that the Empires Corps provides a state-wide, balanced service for latent innovators relative to historical trends of NYC concentration. Referrals seem to contribute to the state-wide balance. A more strategically targeted mobilization of these networks could further long-term regional resilience.