FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants can supply critical funding for starting or growing a technology-based business, but competition for these grants is fierce. The 2003 SBIR/STTR Conference on May 15 at the University of Arkansas GENESIS Technology Incubator will give participants the information and networking opportunities to develop successful grant applications.

The conference will cover Phase I grants, which provides up to $100,000 for start-up, and Phase II grants, which range up to $750,000 to support initial product development and manufacturing. Topics will include how to complete the technical and cost proposals, emerging opportunities for University faculty, changes affecting small businesses and the growing number of resources available to assist Arkansas entrepreneurs.

University faculty, graduate students and others interested in securing SBIR/STTR grants or networking with other Arkansas entrepreneurs are encouraged to pre-register online. The $20 conference fee is payable at the door.

Conference details and online pre-registration are at http://www.innovationincubator.org. For additional information call (479) 575- 7634 or (501) 683-7716.