The SBIR Coach's Position on SBIR Reauthorization


Fred Patterson's Recommendations on SBIR Reauthorization Issues

Fred Patterson's Testimony to an SBA Public Hearing on the VC Issue

Fred Patterson's Letter to Legislators on SBIR Reauthorization in 2009

An Open Message to My Friends and Critics

As a private citizen, I have taken positions and made recommendations on the SBIR Reauthorization issues.  These positions are based upon my experience in over forty years of experience in the business world, including more than twenty years of direct involvement with the SBIR Program, both with my own companies and with my many clients.

My intent is to campaign for improvements to the SBIR Program and to oppose any proposed provision that I feel would do damage to it and to the small business community that it serves. 

It is true that my livelihood derives in part from the very existence of the SBIR Program, and, no matter what position I take on SBIR reauthorization issues, I may be accused of lobbying in my own self-interest.  The fact is that my consulting practice, as The Commercialization Funding Coach, is much broader than just SBIR, and I will do just fine if SBIR would cease to exist.  Unfortunately it's my clients who planned upon utilizing SBIR for their technology development who would suffer.  Small businesses will continue to require funding for growth, and I'll be there to help guide them.

Should we happen to engage in a discussion of the SBIR reauthorization issues, I will be respectful of your opinions whether you agree with me or not.  And, while I may disagree with your views, I will support your right to express them in an open forum.  I will expect nothing less of you.

All I ask is that everyone be fair, give all who wish to express views the opportunity to do so, and, most importantly, to always - truthfully and without attempts at guile - represent fact as fact and opinion as opinion.
                                                            Fred Patterson - The SBIR Coach