SB1918 amends the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law to expand the state’s SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program. The bill increases the maximum state match for a federal SBIR/STTR Phase I award from $50,000 to $75,000 and establishes a new Phase II matching grant of up to $250,000. For Phase II awards, half of the state grant would be paid when the business submits its Phase II final report to the federal agency.
The bill keeps the program focused on Illinois-based for-profit businesses that have received qualifying federal SBIR/STTR awards and meet federal program requirements. It also requires that the business not receive duplicative concurrent funding, that at least 51% of the Phase II research be conducted in Illinois, and that the business remain Illinois-based during the project. The bill limits participation to one grant per year and caps lifetime participation at two awards, while preserving the Department’s role in administering applications and payments.
Impact
SB1918 would amend Section 605-1055 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, changing the state’s SBIR/STTR matching grant program administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The practical effect is to increase available state support for small businesses pursuing federal research and development awards, especially by adding a larger Phase II match and raising the Phase I cap. It would affect Illinois-based for-profit businesses engaged in federally funded innovation, research commercialization, and technology development.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears pro-business and pro-innovation, with a clear economic development rationale centered on job creation and keeping research activity in Illinois. The structure of the program suggests an intent to encourage businesses to advance from Phase I to Phase II federal funding.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are fiscal cost, program eligibility, and the limits on how state funds are distributed. Supporters would likely favor the larger matching amounts and the Phase II payment structure as a way to help Illinois firms compete for federal research dollars. Critics might question whether the increased grant caps and lifetime award limits are the best use of state resources, or whether the 51% in-state research requirement and other eligibility rules are too restrictive or too permissive. No specific objections or named opponents are identified in the available record.