G Nagesh Rao, director of Business Solutions at the US Small Business Administration (SBA), has been named a recipient of the Gears of Government Awards.

The award, given out by the White House Office of Management and Budget and General Services Administration, recognizes individuals and teams across the federal workforce whose dedication supports exceptional delivery of key outcomes for the American people, specifically around mission results, customer service, and accountable stewardship.

Rao received the award in two categories, including the Council Award for SBA’s IT Modernization Efforts; and the Agency Award for his prior leadership and work on the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition and SBIR/STTR Programs, in particular around the SBIR.gov digital platform, according to a media release.

Rao, who is a 2016 Eisenhower Fellow, was stated to have used advancements in science, technology, innovation and economic empowerment to help businesses work better, faster and cheaper.

It said he “revolutionized the SBA’s approach to supporting entrepreneurs in innovation, startup and technology fields,” the media release said.

The “proud geek” and his cutting-edge approaches have helped small businesses more easily access $2.5 billion each year in research and development funding, it said.