A free UNLV workshop on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will present information on the federal funding available to help entrepreneurs and researchers convert research findings into commercial products and business ventures.

Set for 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. March 10 in the Moyer Student Union, Room 201, the workshop will be of interest to business persons who can benefit from UNLV research in such fields as engineering, business, science, and health.

A panel of SBIR officers and managers from the U.S. Department of Defense's Ballistic Missile Defense Organization will participate in the workshop to share experiences and information about the funding opportunity.

SBIR is a federal initiative that provides funding to small, independently owned, for-profit businesses. The competitive program provides up to $100,000 for feasibility studies and $750,000 for research and development. Some $6 billion has been awarded since 1982. Awards are based on the technical merit, originality, and commercial potential of proposals.

This program is also of interest to faculty researchers who are working with small businesses to convert research innovations into profitable ventures. Although SBIR funding goes directly to small businesses, it can help support university research.

For more information, please call Dr. Stephen Rice, associate provost for research, at (702) 895-4240.