WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Maine Technology Institute and the Maine Small Business & Technology Development Centers have been selected as finalists for a U.S. Small Business Administration “best practices” award. The organizations were cited for their joint efforts in supporting Maine technology businesses.

MTI and the SBTDC are among 19 finalists from across the country that have been invited to present their initiatives at a conference highlighting the best practices of state leaders in spurring entrepreneurship and economic growth. Four of the initiatives will be named “national best practices” at an awards ceremony following the presentations. The conference is sponsored by the SBA, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Council of State Governments and the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

The MTI provides seed grants, development awards, and other funding programs to facilitate the commercialization of new technology-based products and services.