The USDA is seeking new technology and/or creative product ideas from grass roots innovators!  Got a great idea?  The USDA may be interested in funding the research and development of your concept!  Ohio State Extension is partnering with the USDA to promote the accessibility and availability of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants.  OSU Extension will be offering two (2) workshops, one in Northeast Ohio (Lorain County Community College on June 19) and one in Southwest Ohio (OSU Lima Campus) to orient interested innovators, researchers, and practitioners to this grant opportunity and the grant application process.  Registration is open!   OSU will support innovators with coaching and mentoring through the grant writing process.  The USDA Request for Applications (RFA’s) are focused on select topic areas, so interested candidates are encouraged to visit the website (see below) to learn more.  If selected for a Phase I USDA SBIR grant, the recipient will receive $100,000 to develop a concept – no strings attached except to report back the results of the research and development.  If the initial phase is successful, additional funding (up to $600,000) is made available to complete the research and bring the solution to the market.  This is not a loan. Innovators own the intellectual property they create and maintain the ownership of their company.  Small businesses (between 1 and 500 employees), including small and mid-sized farms are eligible! For more information about SBIR grants use this link: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir . Register for a workshop today using the links below.  Your idea may be a game and life changer! June 19 (Northeast Ohio):   https://bit.ly/2I7exc6 June 21 (Southwest Ohio):  http://bit.ly/2KktoMO