Small businesses with new and innovative technology interested in gaining access to more than $1.2 billion in federal research and development funds under the Small Business Innovation Research program are urged to attend a workshop in Portland later this month. Last year, Maine companies were awarded more than $2 million from the SBIR program.

The workshop will help businesses learn more about which agencies to deal with and how to write comprehensive proposals to obtain federal funding. The session will be held 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, at the Eastland Park Hotel in Portland.

The cost for the event, including lunch, is $10 per person and is payable at the door. Registration is required. For more information, or to register, call Carlene Snow at 942-6389.