N.H. SBIR grant workshops scheduled

The N.H. Inspires Innovation program, a collaboration of the New Hampshire Innovation Research Center and the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, will conduct a series of workshops around the state for companies interested in applying for competitive federal grants designed to stimulate technology innovation and commercialization.More than $2 billion of no-cost federal funding is available nationally through Small Business Innovation Research grants and Small Business Technology Transfer grants. The grants are designed to help small companies develop and commercialize innovative products.To be eligible for a grant, companies must employ fewer than 500, be 51 percent owned by individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be independently operated without minority shareholders.Workshop and eligibility assessment dates are:• May 8, Nashua, Department of Defense Proposal Workshop• May 10, Manchester, SBIR/STTR 101 Workshop• July 17, Portsmouth, Department of Energy Proposal Workshop• Oct. 16, Lebanon, National Institute of Health Proposal Workshop• March/April 2013, Durham, National Science Foundation Proposal WorkshopIn addition, three eligibility assessments will be held at different locations around the state: May 9 in Nashua; July 18 in Portsmouth; and Oct. 17 in Lebanon.For more information, visit nhsbdc.org. – NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW