Guest post by Dusty Lang, Director for the DHS Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
As a dog mom and rescue advocate, there’s nothing more important to me than my fuzzy kids—my two adopted dogs and fosters (currently two). They’re loyal, fun, and love unconditionally. It is truly rewarding to be able to provide freedom rides from the shelter and see how resilient they are regardless of their past (or current) challenges. They all have their own personalities, and never cease to surprise me with their ingenuity to get what they want. It gives me great joy to create a space that allows them to live their best lives and find safe forever homes.
You may be saying to yourself, ‘Dusty, this is all very nice, but what on earth does this have to do with the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)?’ Well, I’ll tell you: As S&T’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program director, I think I’m in a uniquely fortunate position to witness some of the same resilient qualities in the small businesses that we partner with each and every day.
My team and I are endlessly inspired by the grit, resolve (and yes), ‘dogged’ determination that it takes to be a successful small business. We're champions of these underdogs, because they have some of the most unique and innovative ideas for homeland security technology solutions. We know that we need ideas from all innovative small businesses, regardless of prior federal government experience, to provide the best solutions to the hard-working DHS workforce. Through the DHS SBIR Program, we strive to cultivate a safe and welcoming space for a diverse array of companies to flourish, and we’re proud of that. It is our job to provide them with the knowledge, opportunity, and support, so they can blaze their own trails, live their best (business) lives, and help safeguard our homeland.
When our communications team approached me about filming a video, I jumped at the chance to tell you how we accomplish all of that. Once you’ve watched, please reach out at stsbir.program@hq.dhs.gov with any questions about SBIR and our upcoming funding opportunities. We also have a library of additional resources waiting for you at the link above.
Happy National Small Business Week to all of the hardworking small businesses out there. Thank you for all that you contribute to our communities, our economy, and our homeland security. Stay tuned for more from me throughout the month of May on our social media accounts (@DHSSciTech)!