PrintJune 20, 2008
How Big Money is Hijacking a Small Business Technology Program
Like many high-tech small business proprietors. I've been wearing a black armband since April 23 to mourn the death blow that Congress inflicted on one of the great incubators of technological small businesses: the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. In passing a supposed "renewal" of the bill, the House has opened the program to raiding by financial vultures.Before describing this shameful hijacking by big money interests of a program intended to provide startup companies with a first rung on the ladder, I'll briefly summarize the SBIR program and the need that led to it.The dazzling flood of high-technology innovation in twentieth century America originated in large part from lone-wolf scientists and engineers in garage or basement workshops -- men with dreams who struggled for years to turn their visions into commercial realities. Companies like Ford, Boeing, Polaroid, and Xerox attest to the power of those dreams. As long as these companies were run by the...(Read Full Article)
