BUSINESS UPDATE; Smart Zone Road Show to introduce Michigan small businesses to SBIR/STTR federal research funding

Biotechnology Business Consultants (BBC) and the Michigan Smart Zones are partnering to educate Michigan small technology businesses about the over $2 billion awarded annually by the federal government.

The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) provide these funds to businesses across the country.

The Smart Zone Road Show is an intense 1-week tour to many major Michigan cities to present the facts about SBIR/STTR funding and aid small technology businesses in making the decision to apply. Each 90-minute session will be an introduction to this key source of federal funding and will be followed by a Q & A session and informal networking. Attendees will leave with enough information to determine if they want to pursue funding and attend subsequent training with BBC.

BBC is recognized for its work in the SBIR/STTR Grant Program. Clients requesting assistance with SBIR/STTR grants range from individual entrepreneurs and start-up companies submitting their first proposal, and companies seeking to increase the number of proposals awarded, to economic development organizations and universities seeking broad-based grant assistance.

Federal agencies with SBIR/STTR Programs include the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (NIH, CDC, FDA); U.S. Department of Defense; the National Science Foundation (NSF); U.S. Department of Energy; NASA; U.S. Department of Transportation, EPA, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce; U.S. Department of Education; and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.