Technology

About BTC

Through the Business Technology Commercialization Program (BTC), the Florida Small Business Development Center Network provides support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in R&D or manufacturing in Florida. Established in 2003, the BTC Program's mission is to facilitate the rapid commercialization of innovative physical and life sciences products and processes, support manufacturing systems integration, productivity and quality improvements by manufacturing and R&D firms in Florida.

The Florida SBDC Network BTC Program serves as a bridge between the investor community, technology-based SMEs, university researchers, federal agencies and local economic development organizations. The BTC links SMEs to university resources, including researchers, university and federal laboratories and technology licensing opportunities; institutional and individual investors; business service providers; small business incubators; and serves as a resource for SMEs to gain access to technology networks, and the federal SBIR and STTR programs. The BTC also serves as a resource for linking academic institutions with SMEs and investors to facilitate technology transfer from Florida universities.

The BTC provides training, counseling, information resources and referrals to SMEs, economic development professionals and academic researchers to support the retention and expansion of existing technology-based SMEs, and the formation and scale-up of new and innovative entrepreneurial ventures in Florida. BTC services are available through any of the 35 Florida SBDC Network offices in Florida.

Technology assessments
Identification of research partners at university and feral labs
Assistance with structuring contract research agreements
Assists with applications for state and federal R&D funding
Review issues related to intellectual property protection, including patents, trademarks and copyrights
Advice and assistance on licensing technology
Locating sources of venture capital, angel investors and other alternative debt and equity financing options
Reviews and provides recommendations on business, strategic and marketing plans and term sheets
Counseling on structuring Limited Partnership, Private Placements, other equity arrangements and IPOs
Information on mergers, acquisition and leveraged buy-out opportunities
Links client to Sources of Technology Funding and Support
Supports economic development organizations on business incubation, development of RFPs, feasibility studies, business plans, incubator policies, procedures, performance assessments, and the provision of tenant and management services Florida Incubators and Accelerator

The BTC contributes to the diversification of Florida’ economy by strengthening the relationships between SME’s, economic development organizations, state and federal resources and universities, leading to the expansion and retention of technology-based SMEs and high value private-sector jobs.

For more information on the BTC, contact the SBDC in your region or email Lewis Attardo, Business Technology Commercialization Program ManagerLewis.ATTARDO@floridasbdc.org.

Florida SBIR/STTR Commercialization Grants (coming soon!) $2 million State appropriation July 2010

Other Upcoming SBIR/STTR Events http://www.sbir.gov/events