Thomas Allnutt is a Program Manager in the SBIR/STTR program (Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer) at the National Science Foundation.  The SBIR/STTR program provides grant funding to small businesses for commercially relevant projects in Information Technology, Biotechnology, Electronics, Chemical Technology, and Advanced Materials research.  A goal of the program is to leverage governmental funding to facilitate the development of high impact, commercially viable products that might otherwise not be attempted due to the level of risk required by the small business.  Dr. Allnutt comes out of the small business community where he was a Research Director at Martek Biosciences Corporation and Vice President of Research and Development at Advanced BioNutrition Corporation, both in Columbia, Maryland.

Ralph Blakeney, Technology Industry Manager for the Maryland Small Business Development Center, will discuss the Procurement Technical Assistance Program that helps small companies do business with the federal and state governments.  Mr. Blakeney has over eight years of experience in consulting and business assistance with the Small Business Development Center and Economic Development Corporations.

Veronica Cool, Wachovia Bank, Vice President, Small Business Banker, has over 10 years experience in banking and is a small business expert at Wachovia.  She is the #1 nationally ranked small business banker at Wachovia.  Ms. Cool will provide advice concerning business financial needs, daily money management, financing growth, employee benefits, accumulating wealth, and succession planning.  She can also discuss financial needs for individuals.  Ms. Cool has access to a wealth of expertise at Wachovia and looks forward to working one-on-one with attendees at the forum.

Elizabeth Good, Director of the Maryland Venture Fund, will discuss statewide funding programs available to early-stage technology companies.  Programs include the Maryland Venture Fund, TEDCO funding, and Maryland Industrial Partnerships.  Ms. Good has been a principal of the fund since 2000 and has served as the director since 2004.

Sally Sternbach

Susan Woomer