How the USDA Small Business Innovation Research Program Can Help Your Agricultural Business
If you’re running an agricultural business and you’re looking to grow, it’s important to take advantage of any resources available to you. One such resource you may not be aware of is the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what this program is and how it can benefit your business.
What is the USDA Small Business Innovation Research Program?
The USDA SBIR program is designed to help small businesses conduct research and development projects related to agriculture. By providing funding and support to these businesses, the program aims to stimulate technological innovation, increase productivity, and promote economic growth. The program is competitive, with several phases of funding available to businesses that meet certain criteria.
Who is Eligible for USDA SBIR Funding?
To be eligible for USDA SBIR funding, your business must:
– Be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA)
– Have a principal researcher who is employed by the business
– Be located in the United States
– Conduct research or development related to agriculture
What Types of Projects Does USDA SBIR Fund?
The USDA SBIR program funds projects related to agriculture across several different areas, including:
– Plant production and protection
– Animal production and protection
– Food science and nutrition
– Biofuels and biobased products
– Forestry and natural resources
– Agriculture systems and technology
What are the Benefits of USDA SBIR Funding?
If your small business is selected for USDA SBIR funding, you’ll receive several key benefits, including:
– Funding to support your research and development activities
– Access to technical expertise and resources from USDA scientists
– Opportunities to collaborate with other businesses and researchers in your field
– Exposure to potential investors and customers
– Intellectual property protections for any discoveries or innovations resulting from your project
Case Study: How USDA SBIR Funding Helped One Agricultural Business Grow
To illustrate the impact of USDA SBIR funding, let’s take a look at a real-life case study. Priva, a horticultural technology company, was awarded a USDA SBIR grant to develop a new type of greenhouse control system. With the funding and support from the program, Priva was able to successfully complete their project and bring their new product to market. Today, the company has grown significantly, with operations in several countries around the world.
Conclusion
If you’re running an agricultural business and you’re looking to take your operations to the next level, don’t overlook the potential benefits of the USDA Small Business Innovation Research program. By providing funding and support for research and development projects related to agriculture, this program can help you unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the USDA’s SBIR website today.
