Mike Enzi: “I rise today to speak about giving small businesses the tools they need to be successful in today's competitive…”

“I rise today to speak about giving small businesses the tools they need to be successful in today's competitive marketplace. I am committed to providing those tools by fully supporting the continuation of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Rural Outreach Program. Congressional commitment to small business development has created a network of people nationwide, especially in Wyoming, that is excited and knowledgeable about the SBIR Rural Outreach Program. The SBIR Rural Outreach Program provides an excellent funding opportunity for individuals and small businesses in rural areas that have a passion to explore, develop and commercialize their innovative ideas. Created in 1982, the SBIR Program is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the Nation's research & development arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs. The SBIR Program is designed to target the entrepreneurial sector because that is where most innovation and innovators thrive.”