How USDA SBIR Program Helps Small Businesses Innovate and Grow
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides important opportunities for small businesses to access resources necessary to innovate and grow. With an annual budget of $20 million, the program offers a wide range of support, including funding, technical assistance, and mentoring.
The Purpose and Goals of the USDA SBIR Program
USDA SBIR’s main objective is to encourage and develop innovative technologies and products that contribute to the USDA’s mission areas, including agriculture, rural development, and forestry. The program’s goals are to promote technological advancements, stimulate technological innovation, and increase the commercial application of research results.
Program Eligibility Criteria
The USDA SBIR program is open to companies that are organized for profit, with fewer than 500 employees. The Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations define the term “small business concern” to include most for-profit businesses with up to 500 employees. Additionally, participating companies must be independently owned and operated, and at least 51% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Application and Award Process
The USDA SBIR program follows a three-phase process that includes proposal submission, project development, and commercialization. During the first phase, applicants submit a research proposal, which undergoes a competitive review process. Successful applicants receive funding to complete a feasibility study in phase two. During the final phase, successful companies receive additional funding for commercialization, marketing, and distribution of successful project outcomes.
Success Stories from the USDA SBIR Program
Over the years, many small businesses have benefited from the USDA SBIR program. One of the most successful examples is Chromatin Inc, an Illinois-based biotech company that used the program’s funding to develop a new type of sorghum plant. The new plant is drought-tolerant and provides significant benefits to farmers in dry regions, helping them to produce higher yields of grain while conserving water. Similarly, South Carolina-based Earl Grey Innovations LLC used the program’s funding to develop a new technology that uses UV light to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables, resulting in a longer shelf life and reduced waste.
Conclusion
The USDA SBIR program provides a valuable opportunity for small businesses to access the resources they need to innovate and grow. The program’s focus on agriculture and rural development is particularly important for small businesses working in these areas. With funding, technical assistance, and mentoring available, the program is an excellent resource for small businesses looking to develop and commercialize new technologies and products.
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