Watch CBS News

BBC Says Training Programs Net State $80 Million

Ann Arbor-based Biotechnology Business Consultants Ltd. and its subsidiary BBC Entrepreneurial Training Corp. Monday reported a 20-times return on investment in its training programs funded by the state's 21st Century Jobs Fund.

BBC and BBCetc help early stage technology companies find  funding through commercialization consulting and training.

BBCetc was awarded 21st Century Jobs Fund monies to continue their statewide consulting in writing winning federal research grant proposals through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. BBC prtners with the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Centers, Michigan's SmartZones and universities statewide.

"BBCetc has delivered SBIR/STTR and commercialization training and assistance to more than 300 individuals and 150 companies annually in Michigan," said Lisa Kurek, managing partner of BBCetc and Biotechnology Business Consultants. "The program's impact on the success of Michigan's early stage technology companies is measurable and meaningful, resulting in federal funding that directly supports jobs in Michigan."

Since launching the Statewide SBIR-STTR consulting program in 2002, BBCetc has helped Michigan businesses secure more than $80 million in federal funding, supporting an estimated 500 jobs in the state. Michigan companies participating in the program have secured federal funding at a rate of over two times the national average.

Federal funds secured by Michigan businesses participating in BBCetc's program have enabled these companies to spin out from universities, diversify from manufacturing or other traditional sectors, and retain key technology talent. The program, offered in collaboration with Michigan's SBTDC, universities and SmartZones has impacted business across the state. 

Companies including Compendia Biosciences, T/J Technologies, NanoVir and NeuroNexus Technologies have worked with BBCetc through funding provided by the 21st Century Jobs Fund award.  These companies, and others that worked with BBCetc, were awarded funding from the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, NASA and the USDA. 

Biotechnology Business Consultants and its sister company, BBCetc., help early stage innovation businesses secure federal grant funding for commercialization and business development. The companies provide grant application review, interim company management, commercialization and other critical support for emerging companies.

More at www.bioconsultants.com.

(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.