Initially established in 2001 through a Small Business Administration grant, NYSTAR's SBIR outreach programs now funds direct service delivery and outreach through three Regional SBIR Specialists, each resident within one of NYSTAR's Regional Technology Development Centers (RTDC). Each RTDC, a not-for-profit affiliated with the Federal Manufacturing Extension Partnership, helps New York's small innovative technology companies and smaller manufacturers become more competitive and successful. This network, now funded by NYSTAR and local support, helps bridge a gap for small, innovative technology companies in New York by linking these businesses with technical guidance, research partners, and strategic business assistance. The SBIR Outreach Program's goal is to increase the amount of SBIR and STTR funds awarded to New York companies.

NYSTAR, in conjunction with this network, helps to coordinate activities among its established university-based research institutions, Centers for Advanced Technology, Regional Technology Development Centers (RTDCs), and and New York's Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), State, regional and local economic development organizations, to further assist small businesses.

NYSTAR's SBIR Outreach Program can provide your business with:

• Answers on SBIR/STTR components and which alternatives make the most sense for your company;
• Strategies on how to approach SBIR/STTR;
• Coaching on licensing issues;
• Coaching throughout the proposal writing process;
• Proposal review before submission to the funding agency;
• Transition assistance from Phase I to Phase II;
• Identifying improvements to unfunded proposals; and
• Commercialization strategies