Slaughter Highlights Small Business Innovation and Research Week

CHICAGO – To assist small business owners in accessing critical resources and ensure they are set up for success, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is highlighting Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Week.

“While many corporations and big businesses were able to weather the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic with relative ease, our small businesses have not had the same fortune,” said Slaughter. “Due to the impact of COVID-19, many of Illinois’ small businesses have closed their doors, and we must do all we can to foster growth for the ones that are still here.”

To encourage small businesses to engage in high-level research and development and technology, the Small Business Administration (SBA) created SBIR Week, which provides free webinars and trainings to small businesses to help them access free resources to engage in research and upgrade their technology. In addition to assisting businesses with their technology and research questions, SBIR Week also offers opportunities for business owners to provide feedback and have conversations with SBA managers. SBIR Week runs from July 19 to 23, and more information can be found at www.sbir.gov.

“Competing against billion-dollar companies can seem daunting, and I believe that we must do more to help locally owned businesses do just that,” said Slaughter. “Although we are emerging from the pandemic, we must continue to support small businesses and uplift entrepreneurs across our communities.”