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SBIR at risk!
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) is a federal research program that supports small business innovation through R&D grants and contracts developed in relationship with 11 federal agencies. In Montana, dozens of small companies have benefited from approximately $12M per year in SBIR seed funding for University and small business research, giving rise to clean tech-based industry that employs Montana University System graduates. SBIR is an irreplaceable resource in a state that rarely generates outside venture funding interest. Please rally to action as suggested in the announcement below.
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ALERT!!!! Your attention and action is vital for the SBIR Program’s survival. The SBIR Program is in threat of being extinguished by non-renewal.
The SBIR program is within 2 weeks of being lost. Congress continued the program through March 20, 2009 however no new bills have been introduced to reauthorize or extend it as of yet. Small business will be key to pulling us out of this slump and this program is critical to a large number of high tech small businesses that employ over 20 million employees (families). Three immediate actions you can do immediately (DON’T WAIT AS TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE):
1. Call, email and FAX your congressperson and senators and explain why the program is critical to their constituents and to the country.
Call your Senators, both their local and DC offices: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Call your Representative, both their local and DC offices: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml
Go to their web sites and use the email or webmail links to send them your message.
Contact the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship [email protected] – 202-224-5175 5.
Contact the House Small Business Committee (202) 225-4038 http://www.house.gov/smbiz/
Contact the House Committee on Science (202) 225-6375 – http://science.house.gov/contact/contact_generalform.shtml
2. Raise awareness at every level.
Go to the President’s web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Contact your Governor’s office
Write to your local newspapers, TV and radio stations.
Work with other small business groups to form a united effort.
Contact businesses involved in the SBIR program and make sure they get this information immediately.
3. Join and/or donate to the Small Business Technology Coalition http://www.SBTC.org. They are the only organization that is watching out for this program and they need your support and voice.
DON’T WAIT — THIS PROGRAM IS AT IMMEDIATE RISK!
John W. Balsam
John Balsam Associates, LLC
308 Westview Drive
Missoula, MT 59803
406/549-2460 ph
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