About the MO SBTDC technology specialists team:
Technology development and commercialization ...

    ...moving Missouri's innovations to market

About Missouri's Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) technical assistance program

MO SBTDC is a partnership among the U.S. Small Business Administration, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri state universities, Missouri Department of Economic Development and its partners to bring government research and development awards to your small business.

Our technology development specialists can help you seek out, apply for and win Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards that will provide you money to develop and potentially commercialize your innovations.

The SBIR program was established under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-219) with the purpose of strengthening the role of innovative small business concerns in federally-funded R&D. Through FY2009, more than 112,500 awards have been made totaling more than $26.9 billion.

In December 2000, Congress passed the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act (P.L. 102-564), reauthorizing the SBIR program until September 30, 2000. The program was reauthorized until September 30, 2008 by the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-554). Subsequently, Congress passed numerous extensions, the most recent of which extends the SBIR program through 2017.

The SBIR program is designed to:

1. stimulate technological innovation;
2. partner with small businesses to meet federal research and development needs;
3. encourage the participation of disadvantaged businesses and minority-owned firms in technological innovation; and
4. increase private sector commercialization derived from federal research and development funding.

The program offers small technology-based companies the opportunity to obtain seed capital for research and development early in the innovation process.

View SBA's SBIR presentation

Benefit to Missouri

• The federal government has more than $800 billion available each year in awards from federal agencies.
• Awards to Missouri keep the technology and the proceeds from its commercialization in our state.

Services

• Technical assistance (monitoring agencies for potential funding opportunities and facilitating agency relationships)
• Business and marketing support
• Assistance with proposal preparation

Goals

• Stimulate technological innovation and transfer
• Help Missouri businesses and researchers win more SBIR and STTR awards
• Bring Missouri up in the rankings of award winners (increase applications and awards 20 percent each year)

Sample our client success stories

• Elemental Enzymes: Columbia
  developing enzymes to address personal and industrial contamination problems
• InnovaPrep LLC: Drexel
  developing technology to aid detection systems for biodefense, medical diagnostics, food and beverage industries
• Nanova Inc.: Columbia
  research on biomaterials, nanonstructured materials, composites and medical devices
• NEMS/MEMS Works LLC: Columbia
  engineering researchers developing early-stage prototypes of nanotechnology
• OsteoGeneX: Kansas City
  drug research and biotech commercialization
• QM Power Inc.: Greenwood
  developing magnetic force control technology

Here's how we'll help!

Our goal is to help Missouri companies become aware of the SBIR/STTR program, assist in preparing successful proposals, implement Phase II technical/business proposal assistance program, and assist in Phase II management and commercialization. Seasoned business specialists provide these services with specific expertise in SBIR programs, business assistance and development, corporate management and federal procurement procedures.

How can I get started?

1. Read the business requirements.
2. Learn about completing the Missouri SBIR/STTR instructions for project profile forms.
3. Contact a technology business specialist in our network.
4. Become familiar with the Technology and Commercialization section of MissouriBusiness.net to access search services, assistance providers, sample proposals and other networks.