On May 31st, 2018, The Economic Development Administration (EDA) Website of The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that funding for the 2018 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) program is officialy launched. Through providing start-up enterpreneurs with concept testing and operational assistance, RIS Program is committed to promoting regional innovation and employment through innovations.  For the year of 2018, RIS plans to grant $21 million to outstanding enterpreneurs as individuals or teams across the nation. This money will be distributed mainly in two ways: i6 Challenge and the Seed Fund Support (SFS) Grant competitions. The i6 Challenge provides funding to the seriers of service for the development and accerleration of those start-ups based on innovation and with high rate of growth. Such service includes technological advice, market evaluation, business planning, mentorship, and access to early stage capital. On the other hand, SFS provides financial assistance specifically for the rapidly growing start-ups in the planning of their seed capital, technical assistance related to formation, launch and expansion, operational costs, marketing and promotion.