Courtesy of Bowie State University
Funding Will Support Bowie BIC and Hydroponics and Aquaponics Research Projects
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) announced this week that $3 million in congressionally directed funding will be provided to support the Bowie Business Innovation Center (Bowie BIC) small business development, with an additional $1 million for the university to develop a new laboratory for hydroponics and aquaponics research.
The Bowie BIC is the only business incubator on an HBCU campus in Maryland and has developed the first SBA 8(a) accelerator program to assist certified U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) contractors in the SBA 8(a) Business Development program win federal contracts. The $3 million will help to create a Center of Excellence pilot program to deliver targeted resources to strengthen HBCUs to expand the 8(a) Accelerator Program.
“This additional support will enable the Bowie BIC 8(a) Accelerator Program to be replicated and become a model through partnerships with other HBCUs across the nation to assist small businesses in navigating through the government contracting process,” said Aminta Breaux, president of Bowie State University. “Bowie State looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the Bowie BIC in creation of the Center of Excellence.”
The Laboratory for Hydroponics and Aquaponics will enable Bowie State’s natural sciences program to expand its research program and curriculum in soilless agriculture techniques that produce food crops with less water and no chemical fertilizers. Aquaponics integrates a culture of fish, plants and beneficial microorganisms grown in a soilless environment. These techniques can expand the capacity to feed the world as traditional agriculture faces growing challenges from climate change and labor shortages.
“The $3 million dollars will help Bowie Business Innovation Center’s capacity to help underserved entrepreneurs more than ten-fold,” said Senator Cardin. “The Bowie BIC inspired my UPLIFT Act which would create a national network of accelerators and incubators on HBCU, MSI, and community college campuses. “If you want to do something to help underserved communities, partner with an HBCU,” he said.
“This is historic,” said Lisa S. Smith, Executive Director of the Bowie BIC. “With this funding, our award winning 8(a) Accelerator Program can be expanded through the Center of Excellence and become a resource for HBCUs by helping socially and economically disadvantaged companies participate fully in the SBA 8(a) Program and win business,” she said.
“We are thankful to both Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen for securing the $3 million and $1 million in federal funds that will allow Bowie State and the Bowie BIC to become a blue print for other HBCUS, and conduct research that will aid in improving food production,” said President Breaux.
