What: Federal Funding for Small Businesses Workshop (Representatives of various federal agencies will discuss Federal SBIR and STTR funds available to small businesses for their innovative research. The Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs are federal initiatives that offer more than $2.0 billion annually to U.S. small businesses and research institutions.)

When: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 from 8:00-1:30

Where: OADI Technology Center at UAB (2800 Milan Court, Birmingham, AL 35213)

Who: Technology companies with 500 or fewer employees looking for government funding to help commercialize research and development

Cost: $25 (includes lunch)

RSVP: OADI 943-6560 by Friday, September 9th

Additional Information:

On September 14, 2005 representatives of various federal agencies will discuss Federal SBIR and STTR funds available to small businesses for their innovative research. The Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs are federal initiatives that offer more than $2.0 billion annually to U.S. small businesses and research institutions.

During the conferences the agency representatives will discuss opportunities to receive funding and meet one-on-one with business owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers to offer insight on how to tap into SBIR and STTR funding. The Conference will take place at the OADI Technology Center, which is located at 2800 Milan Court. The conference will run from 8:00 until 1:30, and there is a $25 charge (cash or check) and will include lunch. Please RSVP to OADI at 205-943-6560 by Friday, September 9, 2005.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to participate in one-on-one meetings and informative seminars with research and development (R&D) program managers. "Small technology firms throughout the United States represent a unique national resource for economic growth and technological innovation. While we participate in a variety of outreach endeavors, this multi-venue tour allows for maximal exposure at a minimal expense providing an opportunity for Americans to see the 'faces' of what might have otherwise been perceived as a faceless bureaucracy," said Terry Payne, of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and representing the Department of Energy.

The SBIR and STTR Programs issue awards to U.S. companies with 500 or fewer employees for conducting R&D projects that have commercialization potential in the private and/or public sector. The program has three phases. Phase I awards up to $100,000 to test the feasibility of a concept. Phase II supports funding up to $750,000 that awardees use to expand first-phase results into a prototype. Phase III, encourages small business awardees to seek third-party funding sources from investors and venture capitalists to transfer the new technology into the commercial marketplace. Specific information about eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.sba.gov/sbir. Since 1982, SBIR and STTR have funded high-risk projects awarding more than $10 billion to small businesses, researchers, universities and research institutions across the nation. The program has fostered innovation, helped create new jobs and improved the quality of life and standard of living at the state and local level.

For more information on the SWIFT Tour event in Birmingham or about OADI Technology Center, please contact Carolyn Garrity at garrityc@entrepreneurialctr.com, or 205-943-6565. For more information on SBIR/STTR go to http://www.sba.gov/sbir.

Carolyn Garrity
VP Client Services
OADI Technology Center/Entrepreneurial Center
2800 Milan Court
Birmingham, AL 35211
205.943.6565
carolyng@entrepreneurialctr.com