Young, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Small Business Innovation Voucher Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) reintroduced the bipartisan Small Business Innovation Voucher Act to ensure America’s small businesses can compete in the 21st century economy.

“Our Small Business Innovation Voucher program will build on Indiana’s existing voucher program to facilitate public-private partnerships between small businesses and our world-renowned research institutions. Giving Hoosier entrepreneurs expanded access to world-class lab space and scientists will help drive innovation and enhance economic opportunity across Indiana,” said Senator Young.

“Nevada’s small businesses and institutes of higher education are driving our economy and we need to make it easier for them to grow. Supporting our entrepreneurs creates jobs, strengthens our economy, and builds a better future for all us who call Nevada home,” said Senator Cortez Masto.

The Small Business Innovation Voucher Act would allow small businesses to work with any institution of higher education to compete for grants to facilitate public-private cooperation on research and development (R&D) and commercialization of new technologies. 

Specifically, the voucher program would:

• Provide grants of between $15,000 and $75,000 for projects with a high likelihood of creating a novel technology or that would not be completed without the grant money.
• Prioritize underserved states and markets, including rural areas, businesses owned by low-income individuals, minorities, women, veterans, and servicemembers.
• Require reports from the grant recipients on use of funds and reports to Congress from the SBA on program effectiveness.
• Authorize $10 million per year for the program.