Green products bring profits to companies.
The U.S. government is putting an increased emphasis on building green and creating green products for a more sustainable future. On both federal and state levels, grants are available to help businesses that build green or work toward developing green goods. Businesses have a vested interest in green products as well; there is profit to be made for those who help find solutions to the environmental problems.
Green Investment Fund
The Green Investment Fund (GIF) funds green building projects in the Portland, Oregon. The city began GIF in 2005 and since its inception through 2009, it has awarded over $425,000 annually. Commercial, residential and nonprofit projects qualify and 36 projects have already been or are set to be completed. The grant focuses on the development of green buildings and the construction therein.
Small Business Innovation Research Program
The Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR) is a federal grant program that 11 federal agencies award. Recipients should have projects that focus on developing products that help with renewable or alternative energy. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awards up to $350,000 of SBIR funds to projects in line with their mission of encouraging a healthy and environmentally friendly country. The Environmental Protection Agency also gives up to $300,000 in SBIR grants to technology firms that focus on renewable energy.
EPA Region 10 Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) Grant Program
The EPA Region 10 Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) Grant Program is funded by the EPA as part of the SAI program. It awards $70,000 in financial assistance. The focus of the grant is on encouraging healthy crop production by controlling and reducing pesticides as part of the crop process. For-profit companies are not eligible for this grant.
