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Charleston Area Alliance Announces Local SBIR Phase Zero Program for Kanawha County Businesses

The Charleston Area Alliance (CAA) is pleased to announce that a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) “Phase Zero” pilot program will be offered this spring. The program will provide funding to help research-intensive small businesses in Kanawha County apply for research funding through the federal SBIR program.

Matt Ballard, president of the Charleston Area Alliance, says “this is an opportunity for the Alliance to help diversify our local economy by incentivizing our most innovative and potentially high-growth businesses as they work through the process of commercialization.” The Alliance’s program will provide up to $5,000 for SBIR/STTR Phase 1 and Phase 2 application support.

The federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs. Visit www.sbir.gov for more information.

Eligibility for the CAA Phase Zero funds is limited to Kanawha Valley-based small businesses that are American-owned, for profit, with fewer than 500 employees. To be considered for the Charleston Area Alliances’ SBIR Phase Zero support, the small business must meet the SBIR program eligibility guidelines and have identified a specific SBIR/STTR solicitation to which they will apply. Applications will be available beginning Monday, March 16, 2015 at www.charlestonareaalliance.org.

Please contact Justin Gaull for additional details: JGaull@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org or (304) 340-4253.