BEAM Circular aims to serve as a hub for circular bioeconomy innovation, workforce development, and industry growth in California’s agricultural heartland.
The organization has opened $2.3 million in grant funding to expand education programs and build specialized training facilities in Stanislaus County that prepare students and workers for jobs in growing bio-based industries. Part of a broader $10 million investment by Stanislaus County into BEAM Circular’s efforts to grow bio-based manufacturing in the region, the program is supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, with the goal of spurring regional economic development and creating quality job opportunities for the local community.
To that end, the organization invites applications for its Stanislaus Wet Lab and Training Facilities Fund, which is designed to ensure hands-on access to cutting-edge tools and spaces, The fund enables local institutions to invest in bioeconomy workforce development infrastructure, including wet labs (scientific laboratory environments that support biology and chemistry activities), training equipment, and shared innovation spaces that support job training and economic development in local communities. Funds may be used to build local capacity through workforce training and lab equipment for hands-on skill development, incubator spaces for early-stage businesses that enable job training opportunities, or community-accessible laboratory facilities that enable broader participation in science, technology, and innovation. Applicants may apply for $10,000 to $500,000 in funding…