Workshop to Teach Small Business Owners about Technology, Innovation Grants

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana small business owners will have an opportunity Oct. 8 and 9 to learn how to compete for federal grants that could help bring their new ideas and technologies to market.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will host the two-day workshop at Indianapolis' Hyatt Regency to teach business owners about the federal government's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant programs that are aimed at assisting companies transform technologies into commercial ventures.

"The workshop is part of the state's ongoing efforts to diversify our economy and further develop entrepreneurship in Indiana," said Nathan Feltman, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "By teaching small business owners how to successfully harness the power of these programs, we will not only be able to help bring new technologies to market, we will create new jobs and opportunities for Hoosiers."

During the workshop, small business owners will learn from state and national experts how to effectively write grant applications and successfully navigate the federal programs' cost proposal and accounting processes.

Cost to attend is $25 for one day or $40 for both and pre-registration is required.  Registration information and workshop schedule are available online at http://www.in.gov/iedc/files/Greenwoods_October_2008.pdf.

The announcement of the workshop comes less than a week after Bloomington-based molecular analysis innovator Predictive Physiology & Medicine announced that the National Institute of Health awarded the firm a $2.339 million grant following proposal writing assistance from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.  

The state's efforts to boost federal funding for Indiana business have resulted in a more than 30 percent increase in federal dollars to Indiana entrepreneurial businesses.  Since 2005, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation has assisted more than 120 companies secure funding from the federal government's Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer program.  The SBIR/STTR is an effort by 11 federal agencies to accelerate the development of high-tech products for use by the government and consumers around the globe.

Source: IEDC