Miller-Meeks, Ernst, Loeffler Spotlight Iowa Innovation and Small Business Success
Coralville, IA – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks joined U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst, and Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler in Coralville to highlight the power of Iowa innovation and the critical role small businesses play in driving economic growth and strengthening America’s competitive edge.
The trio toured an Iowa-based small business that has leveraged funding from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop groundbreaking medical technology, create jobs, and keep critical intellectual property out of the hands of adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.
“Iowa’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and innovation is thriving right here in the heartland,” said Miller-Meeks. “Through programs like SBIR, we can empower entrepreneurs to pioneer groundbreaking technologies, create jobs, and strengthen our communities. I will continue working to ensure Iowa innovators have the resources and opportunities they need to compete and win on the global stage.”
“Innovation does not just come from the coasts—it’s thriving in the heartland, and I am thrilled Administrator Loeffler is championing that cause,” said Ernst. “The INNOVATE Act will ensure there are more small business success stories like this one in Iowa and across America. The SBIR-STTR programs must focus on investing in the best and brightest companies that are supporting our warfighters and developing the critical technology that powers our nation.”
“The SBIR program provides seed funding for American entrepreneurs who power innovation in national security, health sciences, and agriculture,” said Loeffler. “As part of President Trump’s agenda to strengthen our broad-based technological leadership, congressional reauthorization of SBIR is essential. I thank Chair Joni Ernst and Chairman Roger Williams for their commitment to critical technology breakthroughs, and for ensuring that the most innovative U.S. small businesses have a runway into the future.”
“The support we’ve received from SBIRs has been instrumental in enabling us to advance our mission to develop innovative radiopharmaceuticals to improve outcomes for cancer patients,” said Michael Schultz, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer. “It’s also given us the confidence to invest in R&D and manufacturing capabilities here in the U.S. This visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the passion driving our science, the excellence of our team, and the meaningful economic impact we’re creating in the Iowa community.”
The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are vital tools in fostering innovation, supporting small business growth, and safeguarding America’s position as a global leader in science, technology, and manufacturing.