On June 25, the House Small Business Committee passed, 22-0, H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act. Sponsored by Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA), the bill would reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The SBIR and STTR programs promote research and technology developed by small businesses.
The measure, among other provisions, would authorize $10 million annually in FY2010 and FY2011 to award grants to organizations that “conduct outreach efforts to increase participation” and “provide application support and entrepreneurial and business skills support to prospective participants” in the SBIR and STTR programs. Additionally, the bill would require such organizations to direct their outreach and support efforts to small businesses located in geographic areas that are underrepresented in the SBIR and STTR programs, as well as those owned and controlled by women, service-disabled veterans, and minorities.
During consideration of H.R. 2965, the committee rejected, by voice vote, an amendment by Rep. Steve King (R-IA) to strip the provisions directing outreach and support to women- and minority-owned small businesses.
