Federal Research Initiative for Small Entrepreneurs (SBIR Program)
In celebration of National Small Business Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced nearly $2.4 million in research funding for 24 small businesses to develop innovative environmental technologies. This funding is part of the EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, which aims to advance and commercialize environmental technology ideas.
The EPA's SBIR Program, established under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, is a competitive initiative that 11 federal agencies, including the EPA, participate in. The program encourages small businesses to engage in fundamental research and development, with the potential to bring about significant environmental benefits.
To apply for EPA SBIR funding, small businesses must wait for the EPA's solicitation to open and then prepare and submit a Phase I proposal. This proposal should demonstrate the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the innovation. When the solicitation is open, applicants must complete required forms such as the Proposal Coversheet and Project Summary, following EPA’s application guidelines.
Key steps for applying include:
- Monitoring the EPA SBIR Program website for upcoming open solicitation announcements and application deadlines.
- Preparing a Phase I proposal to establish the feasibility of the environmental technology innovation.
- Completing and submitting all required application forms during the open solicitation period.
- Ensuring eligibility by being a U.S.-based small business conducting the majority of research and development work in the U.S., and addressing the environmental technology topics specified in the solicitation.
- Submitting a complete application by the deadline stated in the solicitation.
If awarded Phase I funding and successful progress is demonstrated, applicants may apply for Phase II funding to expand research and development, typically up to $1 million.
The EPA's SBIR program not only powers local economies and creates new jobs but also plays a crucial role in protecting the planet. For instance, an EPA SBIR small business based in Washington has developed a solution for PFAS destruction for industrial wastewater producers. Similarly, two EPA SBIR small businesses have collaborated to bring environmental and economic benefits to Alaska.
For detailed instructions and updates, keep checking the EPA's official SBIR page for the next solicitation cycle and download the updated application packages when available. The EPA's website also offers SBIR announcements and highlights, upcoming events, and more related to research funding opportunities. Additionally, the website features success stories about the EPA's SBIR research and past informational webinars.
The U.S. EPA recently announced $2.8 million in research funding to seven small businesses to further develop and commercialize their technologies. The EPA's SBIR program highlights include reading the latest success stories and news about the EPA's SBIR research.
Stay updated on EPA SBIR funding opportunities and news by signing up for the EPA SBIR Listserv. Press releases for the Phase I and Phase II awardees of the EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program can be found on the EPA's website. For more information about the EPA's SBIR Program, visit the EPA's website.
- The EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, aimed at advancing environmental technology ideas, has announced funding for small businesses to develop solutions for industrial wastewater producers, specifically addressing the destruction of PFAS in water.
- Small businesses in the environmental-science sector can benefit financially by applying for EPA SBIR funding, as this program not only powers local economies and creates new jobs but also contributes to addressing environmental issues, such as waste management.
- Small businesses in the finance sector can help environmentally-focused small businesses by staying informed about EPA SBIR funding opportunities, as this program offers substantial amounts for research and commercialization of environmental technologies, which could lead to investment opportunities or partnerships.
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