BEAM Circular is building a vibrant regional ecosystem for the circular bioeconomy in California’s agricultural heartland, the North San Joaquin Valley (NSJV). BEAM is facilitating collaboration and catalyzing action through the BioEconomy, Agriculture, and Manufacturing (BEAM) Initiative, a portfolio of public and private projects designed to scale the most promising innovations in bioindustrial manufacturing and to advance solutions that support economic and environmental outcomes for local communities.

BEAM Circular’s Bioproducts Supply Chain Technical Assistance Program (TAP) aims to strengthen the regional bioeconomy by providing targeted support to NSJV businesses, helping them integrate into the bioproducts supply chain. The program targets local farmers, food processors, logistics companies, waste processors, manufacturers, and other companies who are interested in participating in the bioindustry.

Example participants include but are not limited to:

• Food and agriculture businesses who are interested in becoming suppliers of byproducts or waste streams for bio-based manufacturing, such as converting crop residues into bioenergy or creating high-value bioproducts from food waste;
• Companies looking for tools to reduce their waste and greenhouse gas emissions associated with organic waste; 
• Businesses that support the movement and processing of biomass; 
• Firms who are interested in incorporating bio-based materials and inputs into their operations, such as using bio-based soil amendments to improve crop yields or adopting bioplastic pellets for sustainable packaging solutions.

Businesses will be provided with awards of up to $50,000 to support access to specialized consultants and technical assistance providers for the following eligible services:

• Supply Chain Integration Support: Guidance on sourcing or becoming suppliers of bio-based materials, with assistance in navigating and integrating into bioproduct supply chains.
• Technical Assessments and Feasibility Studies: Evaluations of equipment, infrastructure, or processes to support converting byproducts or waste into bioproducts, along with feasibility studies to assess the potential for adopting bio-based inputs or products.
• Waste Management and Emission Reduction Strategies: Consulting on greenhouse gas reduction and organic waste management through bio-based solutions, with tools and strategies for waste reduction and efficient biomass use.
• Certification and Compliance Services: Guidance on obtaining sustainability and bio-based product certifications, along with support for compliance with environmental and industry standards.
• Sustainability and Environmental Consulting: Technical Economic Analysis (TEA) - evaluation of the economic feasibility, cost structure, and financial viability of a project to become part of the bioeconomy supply chain. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) - environmental analysis to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service over its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction through disposal. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a selection committee. Applicants may be invited to an interview to discuss their project and specific needs. Additional information may be requested during the review process as needed.