The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) announced yesterday that in conjunction with seven other economic development organizations they are forming the Innovation Partnership of Pennsylvania. The Innovation Partnership is a statewide program that will help small businesses commercialize their technologies and will provide financial assistance to help increase the number of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants awarded to Pennsylvania companies.

Applicants that demonstrate a strong fit between their project and a specific federal funding research topic--as well as the potential to effectively commercialize their research--may be eligible for financial assistance to offset the cost of proposal preparation. Grants are available directly from the Innovation Partnership for up to one-half the cost incurred in preparing the proposal, up to a maximum of $4,000.

The Innovation Partnership also plans to provide a free monthly electronic newsletter providing up-to-date information on federal grant programs and tips on proposal preparation to federal agencies.  Additionally, the Partnership has created an innovative online application system for entrepreneurs to submit their proposal ideas. After an idea has been submitted, a panel of independent professional reviewers gives each proposal a comprehensive written review.  

Along with the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers, the Innovation Partnership will utilize the resources of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Innovation Philadelphia, Catalyst Connection, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the three Pennsylvania Life Greenhouses.  

"This program will become a vital component of our efforts to help small firms all across the state access the funding they require to start new businesses and develop commercially viable new technologies," explains Gregory L. Higgins, Jr., state director of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers.  “Every day entrepreneurs turn to the SBDCs for help in assessing the feasibility of their business ideas. This new program will be another resource we can direct clients to for the capital they require to turn their great new ideas in to successful businesses.”

As the largest statewide provider of entrepreneurial services, the SBDCs play a unique and vital role in the Commonwealth’s economic development initiatives as the only organization that:

·  Utilizes the expertise and resources of 15 of the best colleges and universities in the Commonwealth;

·  Assists entrepreneurs in all stages of business, from prospective entrepreneurs to mature small busi­nesses looking for growth opportunities;

·  Works with firms in all industry sectors, including the fast growing service and retail sectors that comprise the bulk of the state’s firms, as well as manufacturing, construction and wholesale; and

·  Can draw upon the resources of a national network of more than 950 Centers.

For additional information on this program:

Contact:  George Boehm

Telephone: 610-458-5700 x222

Email: boehm@kutztown.edu