Business Services and
Funding Opportunities
Funding Opportunities
BEAM Circular helps businesses transform agricultural and food processing byproducts and waste streams into valuable products and environmental solutions.
Now Open - Request for Proposals (RFP):
Stanislaus County Bioeconomy Job Catalyst Fund
Stanislaus County Bioeconomy Job Catalyst Fund
Funding Opportunity Overview
The Stanislaus County Bioeconomy Job Catalyst Fund provides funding to support early-stage and growth-stage businesses advancing the bioeconomy, driving local job creation, and investing in projects across Stanislaus County. The program includes two funding tracks:
Track 1 – Small Business Capital Access, Research, & Commercialization Fund (Up to $75,000)
Supports early-stage businesses with access to capital, research, feasibility studies, and commercialization to drive growth, innovation, and local business impact.
Track 2 – Anchor Employer Development Fund (AEDF) (Up to $1,000,000)
Supports growth-stage employers pursuing capital investments, infrastructure improvements, and projects that expand operations and create jobs in Stanislaus County.
Track 1 – Small Business Capital Access, Research, & Commercialization Fund (Up to $75,000)
Supports early-stage businesses with access to capital, research, feasibility studies, and commercialization to drive growth, innovation, and local business impact.
Track 2 – Anchor Employer Development Fund (AEDF) (Up to $1,000,000)
Supports growth-stage employers pursuing capital investments, infrastructure improvements, and projects that expand operations and create jobs in Stanislaus County.
Projects funded under this program may use funds to:
Track 1 – Small Business Capital Access, Research, and Commercialization Fund
Track 2 – Anchor Employer Development Fund
- Grant application preparation and submission support
(Note: Funds may not be used as matching dollars for federal grants.) - Early-stage research, feasibility analysis, and market assessment
- Engagement of technical experts, researchers, or consultants
- Intellectual property strategy and commercialization planning
- Supply chain and partner identification related to circular products
- Internships or work-based training programs that upskill local workers while growing business capacity
Track 2 – Anchor Employer Development Fund
- Infrastructure and Site Development: Project-specific infrastructure or site improvements supporting expansion or relocation.
- Capital Equipment and Productive Capacity: Capital equipment or production assets that expand capacity and support job creation; County-approved asset protection or clawback provisions may apply.
- Pre-Development and Project Enablement: Eligible planning, permitting, engineering, or other pre-development costs required to advance project implementation.
- Stanislaus County Innovation Ecosystem Activation: Co-location or expansion within the BEAM Innovation Campus.
How to Apply
This section outlines the steps to apply for each funding track, including submitting your intake form, engaging with our team as needed, preparing your full project proposal, and completing the application process. Following these steps will help ensure your submission is complete and aligned with program requirements.
Track 1
Small business capital access, research & commercialization Fund
1. Complete the Intake Form
After submitting the intake form, applicants will receive access to the full proposal template and solicitation materials, followed by a prompt to schedule a required 15-minute introductory meeting with our team
2. Meet with Our Team
Following the introductory meeting, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full project proposal.
Full proposals will not be accepted without completion of this meeting.
Full proposals will not be accepted without completion of this meeting.
3. Submit Project Proposal & Budget
Complete your proposal, including the project narrative, budget, milestones, and any required attachments. Most proposals take 2–3 weeks to prepare.
4. Interview with Review Committee
Applicants may be invited to discuss their proposal and answer questions from the review committee.
5. Receive Decision
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions and next steps.
Deadlines for Track 1
Round 1: March 30, 2026
Round 2: May 30, 2026
Important Note:
Deadlines apply to full applications, not the intake form. We strongly recommend submitting your intake form well in advance to allow time for review, scheduling your 15-minute meeting, and, if invited, preparing your full proposal.
Deadlines apply to full applications, not the intake form. We strongly recommend submitting your intake form well in advance to allow time for review, scheduling your 15-minute meeting, and, if invited, preparing your full proposal.
Track 2
anchor employer development fund
1. Complete the Intake Form
Submit the intake form to indicate your interest in Track 2. An introductory meeting is not required for this track.
2. Submit Project Proposal & Budget
Prepare and submit your full proposal, including project narrative, budget, milestones, and any required attachments.
3. Interview with Review Committee
Applicants may be invited to discuss their proposal and answer questions from the review committee.
4. Receive Decision
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions and next steps.
Deadline for Track 2
Track 2 applicants are received on a rolling basis until June 2026. Early applications are highly encouraged.
Applicants may schedule time with our team as needed for guidance or support throughout the application process.
Eligibility
- Businesses must be registered in the United States.
- Projects must have a clear and direct impact in Stanislaus County.
- Funding should benefit underserved populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Track 2 (Anchor Employer Development Fund) applicants must meet additional criteria:
- Anchor employers with 100+ jobs over 5 years, or growth-stage employers with a credible pathway to 50–100+ jobs
- Projects that involve physical assets or site-based investments for expansion or relocation
- Long-term presence in Stanislaus County
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I eligible if my business is not in Stanislaus County?
If you are located outside Stanislaus County, you must identify at least one confirmed partner within the County prior to submission of full application (for example, a supplier, farmer, research collaborator, pilot facility, or manufacturing site).
If you are located outside Stanislaus County, you must identify at least one confirmed partner within the County prior to submission of full application (for example, a supplier, farmer, research collaborator, pilot facility, or manufacturing site).
Can BEAM Circular help me connect with partners in Stanislaus County?
Yes! We can facilitate connections with regional partners.
If you're interested in engaging with more partners who are advancing innovation activities that accelerate the circular bioeconomy, check out the CBIO Collaborative and apply today.
Yes! We can facilitate connections with regional partners.
If you're interested in engaging with more partners who are advancing innovation activities that accelerate the circular bioeconomy, check out the CBIO Collaborative and apply today.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
No, there is no direct cost to participate. However, some services require a matching contribution from the applicant, which can be in-kind or cash. If your application is selected for further consideration, we will discuss any required matching contributions with you before you submit a full application. Additionally, if specialized services beyond what BEAM Circular provides are needed, we may refer you to external providers who have their own fee structures.
No, there is no direct cost to participate. However, some services require a matching contribution from the applicant, which can be in-kind or cash. If your application is selected for further consideration, we will discuss any required matching contributions with you before you submit a full application. Additionally, if specialized services beyond what BEAM Circular provides are needed, we may refer you to external providers who have their own fee structures.
Can I schedule a meeting with the BEAM Circular team to learn more about the services and funding opportunities?
Of course, we'd love to speak with you! You can schedule time with our team through office hours. Information on how to connect with us can be found under the "Connect with Us!" section below.
Of course, we'd love to speak with you! You can schedule time with our team through office hours. Information on how to connect with us can be found under the "Connect with Us!" section below.
Connect with us!
Office Hours
15-minute one-on-one sessions to discuss business services, funding opportunities, or how we can support you.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP2096 awarded to County of Stanislaus by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
For more information, please contact: [email protected]