Policy victories that strengthen innovation, investment, and growth
As a council of NSBA, the Small Business Technology Council has helped shape some of the most important small-business policies supporting R&D and technology innovation, and we continue to bring the firsthand perspective of small businesses directly to Congress and federal agencies.
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Secured Reauthorization Through 2031
SBTC helped broker a compromise bill to reinstate the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs after months of disagreement in Congress.
Through direct advocacy, member engagement, research, and policy leadership, SBTC helped secure passage and enactment of S. 3971, restoring the programs through September 30, 2031.
This victory protects critical funding for thousands of highly innovative small businesses, their employees, and every business in their pipeline.
SBTC Wins
- Brokered a Bipartisan Compromise: SBTC helped bring lawmakers together around a compromise bill to reinstate SBIR/STTR funding after months of congressional infighting.
- Secured Passage of S. 3971: :SBTC helped advance legisl ation restoring the SBIR/STTR programs through September 30, 2031.Reversed a Harmful Department of Energy Policy
- Brought Small Businesses Directly to Congress: SBTC partnered with SMI and NEIA to host the Defend SBIR Washington Fly-In, bringing small businesses from across the country to engage directly with Congress.
- Reversed a Harmful Department of Energy Policy: SBTC raised concerns about the Department of Energy’s policy to limit indirect rates to 15 percent.Demonstrated the Impact of STTR Nationwide
- Demonstrated the Impact of STTR Nationwide:: SBTC published research showing that STTR plays a critical role in funding research and development in rural and underserved states.Brought Small Businesses Directly to Congress
- Challenged Harmful Narratives: :SBTC developed research, testimony, and policy analysis to push back on false narratives about commercialization, national security, and multiple-award winners in the SBIR/STTR programs.Elevated Small-Business Voices
- Elevated Small-Business Voices: SBTC leaders and members continue to testify before Congress, meet with lawmakers, and share how federal policy decisions affect innovation, hiring, investment, and growth.
Why These Wins Matter
SBIR/STTR provides critical funding that helps small businesses turn research into products, jobs, and technologies that strengthen the country.
4,000+ Companies
SBIR/STTR funds more than 4,000 companies each year, including more than 1,000 that are new to government contracting. partners choose NSBA
$22–$33 Return
Economic impact studies show a return of $22 to $33 for every dollar invested, depending on the agency.
1.5 Million Jobs Created
SBIR/STTR generated an average of 65,578 jobs per year over a 23-year period.
The Fight for Permanency Continues
Reauthorization through 2031 is a major victory, but SBTC continues to lead the fight for permanency.
Small businesses should not have to face repeated uncertainty over the future of programs that are critical to American innovation, economic growth, and national security.
Permanent authorization would give small businesses the stability they need to plan long-term research, hire employees, attract investment, and bring new technologies to market.
- Shapes how easily small businesses can access loans, credit, and investment.
- Determines whether trade, exporting, and government contracting are realistic growth paths.
- Impacts the strength of local economies, infrastructure, and workforce pipelines that small firms depend on.
Help Drive the Next Victory
SBTC’s wins are powered by small-business owners, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who bring their experience directly into the policymaking process.Join SBTC and help shape the next generation of small-business technology policy.
- Shapes how easily small businesses can access loans, credit, and investment.
- Determines whether trade, exporting, and government contracting are realistic growth paths.
- Impacts the strength of local economies, infrastructure, and workforce pipelines that small firms depend on.