Not your father’s small business research grant program – The "NEW" SBIR Program

A recently passed small business innovation research bill would boost money available federal grants, but early-stage companies should expect fewer grants to be awarded in Phase I.

The bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 368-43, would reauthorize the program for two years. It now goes to the U.S. Senate.

HR 5819 would likely result in larger but fewer awards. It means more flexibility as to when research projects can enter the SBIR/STTR process, clarifies and expands eligibility to include companies owned by venture capital firms, and it includes requirements to give preferences in SBIR/STTR awards to companies based on geographic and demographic considerations.

Joe Vanden Plas

Full Story: http://wistechnology.com/articles/4709/