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Free Workshop to Help Small Businesses Get Funds for Tech Research

Release Date: 04/11/2008
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (April 11, 2008) -- Small, high-tech firms interested in developing and commercializing cutting-edge energy and environmental technologies can attend a free workshop on April 22 to learn how to win funds to hone their concepts.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a workshop on April 22 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to share information about the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs which awards up to $70,000 to small firms to investigate the scientific merit and technical feasibility of new concepts. The workshop will be held at EPA’s regional office at 1650 Arch St., in Philadelphia.

“EPA and the Department of Energy seek novel, low-cost, and effective technologies to address energy and environmental priorities,” said Donald S. Welsh, EPA’s mid-Atlantic regional administrator. “We can all benefit from innovations championed by small businesses.”

A small business is defined as a for-profit organization with no more than 500 employees. Through the SBIR program, EPA and the Department of Energy will solicit applications from small businesses whose research is conducted in the United States. Winning companies that successfully complete the investigation phase can compete for funds of up to $415,000 from EPA or $850,000 from DOE to conduct the testing, and research and development needed to commercialize the new technology or product. A State College, Pa. firm, Expansyn Technologies, Inc., was recently awarded $70,000 in EPA SBIR funds for a research project titled, “Development of Novel Proteins to Enhance Cellulose Deconstruction for Ethanol Production”.

EPA’s solicitation for SBIR applicants opened March 20 and closes May 21. For more information see EPA’s SBIR website at http://es.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/.

The workshop will emphasize the critical elements of the program, including writing winning proposals and sources of assistance. Call 215-204-3856 or email to sbtrain@temple.edu for information or to register. Space is limited, so register as early as possible.