WNY Companies Receive $4.7 Million for Innovative R&D

Small businesses in the WNY region received almost $4.7 million in 2009 through the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs.

Thirteen local companies received twenty-one SBIR/STTR awards in 2009. Award amounts ranged from $89,978 to $750,000 and covered a wide range of technologies. The data in the table were compiled by Insyte Consulting from the websites of the eleven federal agencies that participate in SBIR/STTR.

The SBIR and STTR programs provide grants and contracts to U.S. businesses with 500 or fewer employees to conduct innovative research and development with strong commercialization potential. These programs awarded over $2 billion nationwide in 2009. Small Business Administration has recently raised the award threshold amounts for SBIR to $150,000 for phase I, and $1,000,000 for phase II.

Agencies that participate in the program issue solicitations for proposals throughout the year on a wide variety of research topics. Proposals are evaluated based on their fit with the solicitation, degree of innovation, technical merit and capabilities, and commercialization potential.

Insyte Consulting is the NYSTAR-designated SBIR/STTR specialist for the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. Insyte provides information and assistance to local companies, including help identifying appropriate solicitations, coaching about proposal development, and commercialization assistance. Because of NYSTAR's financial support, there is no charge for this assistance. Contact us at 716.636.3626 or jmcgowan@insyte-consulting.com for more information or to be added to our SBIR email information list.

Three Phases of SBIR/STTR

Phase

Typical Funding

Work Period

Ojectives

I

Up to $150,000

Six Months

Proof of Feasibility

II

Up to $1,000,000

18-24 Months

Primary R&D / Develop to Pre-production

III

No SBIR Funding

Ongoing

Commercialization