Small Business Technology Transfer program

The Small Business Technology Transfer program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses.The Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) requires researchers at universities and other non-profit research institutions to play a significant intellectual role in the conduct of each STTR project. These researchers, by joining forces with a small company, can spin-off their commercially promising ideas while they remain primarily employed at the research institution. The program is governed by Public Law 112-17.NSF seeks to help reach the nation's future broadband goals and the larger objective of alleviating growing pressure on limited radio spectrum resources. Innovative approaches, technologies, and policies are required to enable more flexible and efficient access to the radio spectrum. The stakes are high in technology development as the country that develops the key intellectual property to enable the efficient use of the spectrum and adopts new and effective spectrum regulations is expected to have strong competitive advantages in the manufacturing of new communications systems, and increased productivity in using this technology. For information reference section A.10.

Link to Full Announcement

NSF Publication 11-561

Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act ("PRIME")

Eligibility:

A microenterprise development organization or program (or group or Collaborative thereof) that has a demonstrated record of delivering microenterprise services to disadvantaged entrepreneurs with specific emphasis on women; A private, nonprofit entity serving or seeking to serve microenterprise development organizations; A mircroenterprise development organization or program that is accountable to a local community, working with a State or local government or Indian Tribe; or An Indian tribe acting on its own, if the Indian tribe can certify that no private organization or program referred to in paragraph in paragraphs (1) exists within its jurisdiction.

Agency Name

Small Business Administration

Description

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued Program Announcement No.PRIME-2011-01 to provide training and capacity building grant programs to microenterprise development organizations ("MDOs"). PRIME has several tracks for which SBA will consider granting awards under this program announcement. Track 1 - Technical Assistance calls for applications from qualified organizations wishing to obtain grant funding for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged microentrepreneurs.Track 2 - Capacity Building calls for applications from qualified organizations wishing to obtain grant funding for the purpose of providing training and capacity building services to microenterprise development organizations, programs and groups of such organizations to assist them in developing microenterprise training and services. The Act also authorizes a third track, Track 3, for the purpose of pursuing research and development and the establishment of best practices in the field of microenterprise and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged microentrepenurs. However, SBA will not seek Track 3 applications as part of this FY 2011 Program Announcement. See Program Announcement for complete details.Questions about this program announcement should be directed to the Office of Financial Assistance at prime@sba.gov.

Link to Full Announcement

http://www.sba.gov/financialassistance/prospectivelenders/prime/index.html

Venture Development Organizations

Speaking at the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Southwest Region Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Albuquerque, N.M., U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez today (May 11) unveiled a new website to connect Venture Development Organizations (VDO) in America's regions and accelerate economic development efforts that promote growth and job creation. The Regional Innovation Acceleration Network (RIAN) will bring VDOs together to share best practices and leverage resources that will strengthen regional economic ecosystems.

Developed in partnership with the State Science & Technology Institute, the new website - www.regionalinnovation.org -- highlights how VDOs are helping entrepreneurs turn their innovations into businesses by providing direct funding and increasing access to capital.

"The Regional Innovation Acceleration Network builds on President Obama's national innovation agenda by bringing Venture Development Organizations within America's regions together to help increase business development and competitiveness," Fernandez aid. "Across the nation, these organizations are helping to grow local economies and create jobs, and this new network will enhance their impact and efficiency."

The RIAN offers an interactive map designed to help economic development practitioners identify their regional innovation colleagues, where they operate, and connect with them. To facilitate the growth of existing innovation networks, the website provides technical assistance; and for those regions where networks have yet to develop, it provides the means for peer-to-peer sharing of information between existing and emerging VDOs.

VDO's are non-profit, business driven partnership organizations that include government, community foundations, universities and civic organizations that work together to promote technology and innovation-based development. They provide a multifaceted portfolio of services tailored to address the specific needs of the regional economy, helping to create 21st century jobs.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania is one of many examples of a successful VDO that is boosting economic growth and job opportunities in its community. The organization invests in early stage technology entrepreneurs to help create sustainable technology jobs. They are currently expanding their Ben Franklin TechVentures facility in Lehigh Valley to support more innovative research and cutting-edge ideas. The project is expected to create up to 200 sustainable, high-paying technology jobs and retain 100 additional jobs at new, start-up companies in its first three years. TechVentures has already launched 44 successful companies, grossing more than $675 million in annual revenue and creating more than 4,000 jobs since 1983.

With the new RIAN, Ben Franklin Technology Partners can share its knowledge and experiences with emerging VDOs and find new partners as it works to foster business growth that supports economic prosperity and jobs in America's regions.

Startup America

Launched earlier this year in response to President Obama's call to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship, the Startup America Partnership has announced commitments from more than fifteen companies and nonprofits to provide resources valued at approximately $400 million to U.S. entrepreneurs.

Building on existing pledges of support from some two dozen companies, new corporate commitments include products and services valued at over $125 million from American Express; training worth more than $3 million from Cisco; $100 million from Google to help entrepreneurs promote their companies through Google advertising programs; discounts on HP products valued at $100 million; and free access for all qualified startups to Microsoft software and support through the company's BizSpark program.

In addition, new nonprofit partners include Palindrome Advisors, which pledged to connect a thousand first-time entrepreneurs with top industry advisors; the National Venture Capital Association, which will provide access to its more than four hundred venture capital firms, four thousand investors, and thousands of venture-backed company CEOs; the National Center for Women & Information Technology, which will help high-tech startups capitalize on the increased innovation and business benefits of gender diversity; and the Angel Capital Association and Angel Resource Institute, which together will work to increase access to investment capital by doubling the number of high-caliber investors in angel groups across the country.

"We're gratified by the response we've seen from the private sector since launching the Startup America Partnership less than ninety days ago," said Startup America Partnership chair Steve Case. "Today's announcement of new commitments highlights the progress we're making to provide entrepreneurs with resources to grow and scale. We're grateful for the companies that have stepped up to help celebrate and accelerate entrepreneurs and we look forward to adding additional partners in the near future."

“New Startup America Partnership Commitments From Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, American Express, Intuit and others to Support Tens of Thousands of U.S. Startups.” Startup America Press Release 4/20/11.

America's next top energy innovator challenge

Boston, MA - As part of the Obama Administration's Startup America Initiative, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" challenge, which will give start-up companies the opportunity to license groundbreaking technologies developed by the National Laboratories for $1,000 and build successful businesses. As part of this effort, the Department is reducing both the cost and paperwork requirements for start-up companies to obtain an option agreement to license some of the 15,000 patents and patent applications held by our 17 National Laboratories.

"America's entrepreneurs and innovators are the best in the world," said Secretary Chu. "Today, we're challenging them to create new businesses based on discoveries made by our world-leading national laboratories. Because we've cut the upfront fees and reduced the paperwork, we'll make it easier for start-up companies to succeed and create the new jobs our economy needs. Our goal is simple: unleash America's innovation machine and win the global race for the clean energy jobs of the future."

Currently, only about 10 percent of federal patents have been licensed to be commercialized. This initiative aims to double the number of startup companies coming out of the National Laboratories.

Specifically, as part of "America's Next Top Energy Innovator:"

1. On Monday, May 2, 2011, the Department will kick off the challenge by posting a streamlined template option agreement online for entrepreneurs to submit to Laboratories. Entrepreneurs must identify the technology of interest and submit a business plan to be considered for the program. Participants will have until December 15 to make their submission to the Laboratory.
2. Any of the 15,000 unlicensed patents and patent applications held by the National Laboratories will be available for licensing by startup companies
3. From May 2 to December 15, the Department will reduce the total upfront cost of licensing DOE patents in a specific technology to a $1,000 upfront fee for portfolios of up to three patents. This represents a savings of $10,000 to $50,000 on average in upfront fees.
4. Other license terms, such as equity and royalties, will be negotiated on a case by case basis and will typically be due once the company grows and achieves widescale commercial success. These fees help support the Department's continuing research activities to develop new technologies.
5. The Department will simplify the licensing process and establish a standard set of terms for start-ups, who generally lack the resources, time or expertise to negotiate individual licensing agreements. This will significantly reduce both the time and cost required to process the license, allowing faster access to the Department's patents and enabling the Department to process more licenses in a shorter amount of time.
6. Entrepreneurs who complete the process and demonstrate progress toward executing their business plan and commercializing the technology will have the opportunity to be showcased at the 3rd Annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in 2012, which brings together leading technology startups and clean energy investors from around the country.

In addition to these steps, the Department is making it easier for companies to use the world-leading facilities at our National Laboratories to conduct collaborative research and development activities. Previously, companies had to make an upfront payment covering the first 90 days of research work - a requirement that was often difficult for start-ups to meet. Today, the Department is lowering the advance payment requirement to 60 days. This change will benefit all companies - not just start-ups - but could be valuable for those participating in the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" challenge.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating can already view the available technologies on the Department's Energy Innovation Portal.

Social Impact Investing in Small and Growing Businesses on the Rise, Report Finds

[from Philanthropy News Digest] Despite record levels of investment in small and growing businesses (SGB) in the developing world, additional capital and better data on social impact are needed if the sector is to reach its full potential, a report from the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs finds.

According to the 2010 ANDE Impact Report (44 pages, PDF), between 2001 and the first half of 2010, 199 funds raised a total of $10.6 billion to invest in emerging market SGBs. Over the past year, ANDE — a global network of more than 110 investors — has grown by thirty-seven members and expanded into eighteen additional countries.

Collectively, ANDE members manage sixty-three SGB funds, accounting for some $900 billion across 2,500 investments. Since the network's inception, ANDE members have supported more than 11,000 SGBs through capacity development, direct equity, or debt investment.

"Increasingly, the development community is recognizing that market-based approaches offer a more effective model for providing key products and services to needy populations," said ANDE executive director Randall Kempner. "Meanwhile, the traditional investment community is recognizing the potential of making financial returns while improving society. This convergence is leading to a greater understanding of the power of SGBs as well as increased capital flows into the sector."

“Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Releases Second Annual Impact Report.” Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs Press Release 4/29/11.

Erie Innovation Fund Accepting Applications

There’s still time to apply to the Erie Innovation Fund. The purpose of the fund, which is a partnership between the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and Ben Franklin Technology Partners, is to give Erie’s tech-based entrepreneurs and small manufacturers access to local investment capital.

To date, more than a dozen companies that are involved in new product/process development have inquired about the application process. Screening of the applicants and the subsequent review of the proposals will be based on Ben Franklin’s existing due diligence process. However, a local panel of experts and potential investors is being convened to help evaluate submitted proposals.

Companies that receive funding will also have the opportunity to get business mentoring and support from the Ben Franklin Transformation Business Services Network.

Business owners who are interested in applying for funding, or potential investors who want to participate in the Advisory Board, should contact Ben Franklin’s Erie Office at 898-6650.