EPA Awards $2 Million for Small Business Innovation Research: Promoting Green Jobs

*EPA Awards $2 Million for Small Business Innovation Research: Promoting Green Jobs *

*WASHINGTON--June 12, 2013: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced more than $2 million to 25 small businesses nationwide to develop new environmental technologies that will help protect people's health and the environment.

EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program funds innovative research resulting in new commercial products, processes and services that protect the environment, benefit the public, and promote the growth of small businesses. This year's projects focus on drinking water, wastewater, manufacturing, green building, waste monitoring and management, air quality, sustainable use of biomass and homeland security.

"Over the past 30 years, EPA's SBIR program has funded over 900 small businesses that develop unique environmental technologies," said Lek Kadeli, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "This funding opportunity allows these companies to help protect public health and the environment through innovative technology and more sustainable solutions while creating jobs and increasing economic competitiveness."

Each of the 25 companies will receive an SBIR Phase I contract of up to $80,000 to further develop their technology over the next six months. Once the project has been demonstrated to be commercially viable, then companies are eligible to compete for a Phase II award of up to $300,000 to commercialize their technology. To be eligible to participate in the SBIR program, a company must be an organized for-profit U.S. business, and have fewer than 500 employees.