Translation:

SBIR/STTR

Key message

The SBIR and STTR (Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer) federal R&D grant programs drive innovation in Oregon's small businesses. Oregon should continue to focus on increasing its share of these federal grants by enhancing the tools available to small business owners to successfully learn about and apply for SBIR/STTR funding.

Why is it significant?

SBIR and STTR grants from federal agencies allow entrepreneurs to conduct research and develop new technologies. These programs often provide initial funding to help small companies turn ideas into commercially viable products.

How does Oregon perform?

In 2008, Oregon received $23 million in SBIR and STTR awards, a return to 2003 award levels. This total accounted for 1.2 percent of total awards nationally. Oregon received 58 SBIR awards and seven STTR awards in 2008. See Figure 8.

Oregon ranked 17th among all states in SBIR and STTR awards per $1 million of GSP. Oregon's performance in this measure deteriorated over the last two years with Oregon's share of SBIR and STTR funding declining in the run-up to the 2008 recession. Performance in this category will improve once the recession ends. See Figure 9.

Figure 9. Total SBIR/STTR Award Amount per Million Dollars Gross Domestic Product by State

State	2008 Rank	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Colorado	3	$479	$413	$446	$395	$370
California	10	$294	$257	$244	$190	$212
Utah	11	$144	$230	$177	$160	$171
Washington	15	$235	$180	$179	$184	$147
Oregon	17	$193	$207	$270	$164	$145
Minnesota	20	$107	$123	$114	$95	$126
Arizona	22	$169	$195	$177	$131	$116
New York	29	$101	$110	$84	$81	$82
Idaho	40	$106	$134	$59	$107	$41
United States		$186	$168	$164	$138	$143

Source: Small Business Administration