Small Business Innovation Resource Network Launch

DED Director Steve Silverman

The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development (DED) will host a kick-off event on Tuesday, May 13 at the County’s Germantown Innovation Center to officially launch the new Maryland Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Resource Network, the first such SBIR resource and training center of its kind in the state of Maryland.

The free event is targeted to County technology and life sciences small businesses that have in the past, and/or will in the future, apply for SBIR funding.

DED Director Steve Silverman will provide opening remarks followed by two panels, one providing a SBIR program overview and the other featuring local companies sharing how receiving SBIR funding has helped their company growth.

SBIR funding, in particular Phase I and II awards, is important as it is used primarily by companies to pay salaries. In addition, SBIR funded companies often become preferred vendors on larger federal procurements.

The new SBIR Resource Network will provide training on how to win awards, SBIR compliance so funding recipients keep and advance their awards through stages, training and support for leveraging SBIR funding into follow-on federal procurements and more. Officials say all of this is important because while Maryland ranks 4th by dollars awarded, it ranks 30th in win ratio.

This event takes place from 8 a.m. – noon at the Germantown Innovation Center, 20271 Goldenrod Lane.

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