PMA Takes on Tech, Episode 18:

SBIR grants: A way to grow early-stage innovation without dilution

 

You have a great innovative idea that will have revolutionary impact on the produce industry. You have tapped out friends and family but you aren’t ready to go to a VC and give up equity in your business yet. What can you do? Government funding is a great way to help advance your small business's technology. One of the most popular government funding avenues is the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. SBIR is a United States government program, coordinated by the Small Business Administration, intended to help small businesses conduct R&D. The funding is a grant that requires no equity. In this episode, hear from experts about how the program works and examples grants and their benefits.

 

Moderator:

Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology, Produce Marketing Association

 

Panelists:

Dr. Timothy Conner, Division Director, Division of Bioenergy, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Martha Schlicher, Executive in Residence at BioGenerator, CEO at Plastomics

Diana Endicott, Co-Owner and Marketing Manager, Rainbow Organic Farm & Good Natured Family Farm