Extension of small business pilot program advanced

Senators gave first-round approval Feb. 12 to a bill that would alter and extend the Small Business Innovation Act pilot program.

LB628, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad, would reduce the number of full-time equivalent employees required to qualify for the pilot program from five to two. The bill also would extend the sunset date for one year to Dec. 31, 2014.

Conrad said the bill would make a good program more user friendly.

“Small businesses are the engine in a vibrant economy,” she said.

The bill advanced to select file on a 32-0 vote.