GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE SHOWS SMALL HIGH-TECH BUSINESS HOW TO TAP INTO A BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS RESOURCE The spring 1997 National SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) Conference will be held April 2-4 in the Hyatt Orlando Hotel, Kissimmee, Florida. The SBIR Program funds firms with 500 or fewer employees to perform cutting-edge R & D that addresses the nation's most critical scientific and engineering needs. Spanning the technology spectrum-from aviation and agriculture to medicine and manufacturing -- the Program has awarded more than $6 billion since its inception in 1982, with annual awards now exceeding $1 billion. The National SBIR Conference provides a one-stop opportunity to learn how the program works and to meet the key players. Managers and procurement specialists from every SBIR-sponsoring agency and department-including the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health & Human Services, and Transportation, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, and the Small Business Administration-will be on hand to discuss their programs and funding opportunities, as will large firms and universities looking for partners and subcontractors. Daily seminars will provide a wealth of practical advice on preparing winning proposals, negotiating and managing contracts, raising capital, protecting intellectual property, marketing, and more. Advance registration fee (by March 15) of $175.00 per person includes meal functions and meeting materials. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the Small Business Administration, in cooperation with all SBIR Federal Agencies and Departments. For more information, call (360) 683-5742; fax: (360) 683-5391; e-mail: www.zyn.com/sbir/

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