On July 1st, Representative Paul Takac introduced legislation to create a matching grant program for awardees of SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) grants.  With at least 25 other states offering similar programs, this legislation would help PA small businesses remain competitive against a growing national group of companies that seek these awards each year.

SBIR grants typically provide $100,000 in initial funding to help the federal government solve key defense, life sciences and energy related challenges. After being awarded that funding through Phase I, many companies successfully go on to secure $75,000 in phase II awards.  Representative Takacs' legislation, while awarding matching funds for Phase 1 grants, is primarily aimed at boosting success of that initial research and accelerating the conversion rate of Phase 1 into Phase 2 awards. 

These non-dilutive grants have a played an important role in building some of Pittsburgh's most exciting firms, and creating stronger ties with the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy among our small business community.

Please join us in supporting H.B. 2472!