The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is gearing up to release its highly anticipated Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I solicitation for 2024-2025. This program offers an incredible opportunity for small businesses to contribute to environmental innovation while accessing vital funding to bring their ideas to life.
Learn More Here š https://www.epa.gov/sbir/sbir-funding-opportunities
Key Dates to Remember
Mark your calendars for the following important dates for the EPA SBIR Phase I solicitation:
- Application Deadline: August 21, 2024
- Notification of Awards: November 2024
- Phase II Solicitation Opens: End of Phase I (May 2025)
- Phase II Solicitation Closes: ~45 days later (July 2025)
- Estimated Start Date for Phase II: October 2025
Budget Amounts
The EPA SBIR program provides non-dilutive funding to support the development and commercialization of environmental technologies. Here are the funding details:
- Phase I: Up to $100,000 for a six-month proof-of-concept project.
- Phase II: Up to $400,000 for two years, focusing on development and commercialization.
- Commercialization Option: An additional $100,000 supplement to match third-party investment.
Grant Options Explained
- Phase I: This initial phase is all about feasibility. It allows small businesses to develop a proof of concept for their innovative environmental technologies.
- Phase II: Building on the success of Phase I, Phase II involves further research and development aimed at commercializing the technology.
- Direct to Phase II: This option is not currently available in the EPA SBIR program. Only Phase I awardees can apply for Phase II.
- Fast Track: Although not specified for the current cycle, Fast Track usually combines Phase I and Phase II into a streamlined process to accelerate project development.
Preparing for Application
To ensure a successful application, follow these steps:
- Review Solicitation Topics: EPA has identified several focus areas for the 2024-2025 cycle, including clean and safe water, air quality and climate, homeland security, circular economy/sustainable materials, and safer chemicals. Detailed topics within these areas are outlined in the solicitation.
- Develop a Strong Proposal: Your proposal should be comprehensive and address the specific requirements and priorities outlined in the solicitation. It should include a clear statement of work, budget justification, and demonstrate how your project aligns with EPAās goals.
- Ensure Compliance: Make sure all necessary documents, certifications, and approvals are prepared. Register early with the required systems, including SAM, SBA Company Registry, and FedConnect.
Topics for 2024-2025
The proposed topics for this year include:
- Clean and Safe Water: Nature-based solutions for water reuse, technologies for PFAS treatment in wastewater, and household-scale treatment for cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in drinking water.
- Air Quality & Climate: Technologies to monitor and reduce air toxics exposures and control air pollution from small sources.
- Homeland Security: Scenario-based training for disaster response.
- Circular Economy/Sustainable Materials: Preventing and recycling food waste, source reduction and reuse, and lowering embodied carbon in the built environment.
- Safer Chemicals: Developing rubber anti-degradants with lower health and environmental impact, and next-generation fertilizers.
The EPA SBIR program is a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to contribute to critical environmental challenges while receiving the support needed to bring innovative solutions to market. For more detailed information and to apply, visit the EPA SBIR Funding Opportunities page and Grants.gov.
By participating in this program, your business can play a pivotal role in advancing environmental protection and innovation. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a significant impact!
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire processāfrom identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.