E.B. Howard Consulting: Company Profile

Background

Overview

E.B. Howard Consulting, founded in 2013 by Christine E.B. Howard, is a women-owned business based in Amherst, New York. The firm specializes in assisting organizations to identify, apply for, and manage non-dilutive grant funding, focusing on federal programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). Since its inception, E.B. Howard Consulting has secured over $150 million in non-dilutive funding for clients within the innovation ecosystem.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to empower innovators by providing expert guidance in securing non-dilutive grant funding and conducting thorough evaluations for organizations within the innovation ecosystem. Their vision is to foster inclusive economic growth by supporting high-growth startups, small businesses, and organizations in navigating the complexities of grant funding.

Industry Significance

E.B. Howard Consulting plays a crucial role in the innovation ecosystem by enabling organizations to access non-dilutive funding, thereby reducing investment risks and promoting sustainable growth. Their expertise in grant proposal preparation and program evaluation has made them a trusted partner for entities seeking to advance their research and development initiatives.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Non-Dilutive Funding Acquisition: Assist clients in identifying and securing non-dilutive funding opportunities, primarily through federal grant programs.

Proposal Preparation: Provide comprehensive support in drafting and submitting competitive grant proposals.

Program Evaluation: Offer post-award evaluation services to measure the impact and effectiveness of funded projects.

Areas of Specialization

Emerging Industries and Technologies: Support growth and innovation in sectors such as quantum technology and the cannabis and hemp industries.

Postsecondary Education: Enhance STEM initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, support services, and faculty development.

Innovation and Commercialization: Foster economic development and commercialization for small businesses and startups through programs like SBIR and STTR.

Regional Economic Development: Promote economic development through innovation, funding, collaboration, and targeted regional support.

Key Technologies Utilized

E.B. Howard Consulting employs a collaborative and iterative approach, akin to agile methodology, throughout the grant proposal preparation process. This includes the use of shared drives for real-time project updates and the development of tailored evaluation plans aligned with specific project goals and requirements.

Primary Markets Targeted

High-Growth Startups: Assist in securing funding to support rapid development and commercialization.

Small Businesses: Provide guidance to navigate the complexities of grant funding and enhance competitiveness.

Academic Institutions: Support universities in obtaining research grants and fostering industry collaborations.

Economic Development Agencies: Collaborate to build and strengthen local innovation ecosystems.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

E.B. Howard Consulting is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose detailed financial information. However, the firm has a proven track record of securing substantial non-dilutive funding for its clients, with over $150 million secured since its founding in 2013.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly available. The company's revenue model is primarily based on service fees for grant proposal preparation and program evaluation services.

Notable Investors

As a privately held firm, E.B. Howard Consulting does not have publicly disclosed investors.

Utilization of Capital

The capital generated through service fees is utilized to support the company's operations, including staff compensation, technology infrastructure, and the development of resources to assist clients in securing and managing non-dilutive funding.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

E.B. Howard Consulting does not develop products or services for direct market sale; instead, it focuses on facilitating the development of its clients' projects through successful grant funding. The firm's "pipeline" consists of the various grant proposals it assists clients in preparing and submitting.

Stages of Development

Proposal Preparation: Assisting clients in drafting and submitting grant proposals.

Award Management: Supporting clients in managing awarded grants, including compliance and reporting.

Program Evaluation: Conducting evaluations to measure the impact and effectiveness of funded projects.

Target Conditions

The firm's services are applicable to a wide range of sectors, including technology, education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives.

Anticipated Milestones

Milestones are client-specific and include the successful submission of grant proposals, receipt of funding awards, and completion of program evaluations demonstrating project impact.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

E.B. Howard Consulting utilizes a collaborative approach to grant proposal preparation, employing shared drives for real-time project updates and tailored evaluation plans aligned with specific project goals and requirements.

Significant Scientific Methods

Agile Methodology: An iterative approach to grant proposal preparation, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to client needs.

Utilization-Focused Evaluation: An evaluation approach that emphasizes the involvement of stakeholders to enhance the usefulness of each proposal.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, the firm's use of technology to streamline the grant proposal process suggests an openness to integrating advanced tools to enhance efficiency.

Leadership Team

Christine E.B. Howard – Founder & CEO

Christine E.B. Howard is the founder and CEO of E.B. Howard Consulting. With over 15 years of experience in non-dilutive funding resources, proposal preparation, and program evaluation, she has secured over $150 million in funding for clients since 2013. Christine serves as the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) – Buffalo Niagara and is an active member of the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women's steering committee.

Amber Clark – Client Funding Strategist

Amber Clark serves as the Client Funding Strategist at E.B. Howard Consulting. She works closely with clients to identify suitable funding opportunities and develop strategies to secure non-dilutive funding.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for grant proposal preparation and program evaluation services is competitive, with numerous firms offering similar services. E.B. Howard Consulting differentiates itself through its specialized focus on non-dilutive funding and its commitment to a collaborative, client-focused approach.

Competitor Analysis

EGC: Offers grant writing and consulting services with a focus on federal funding.

MNSBIR: Specializes in assisting clients with SBIR/STTR proposal preparation and submission.

UVG: Provides grant writing and evaluation services for various sectors.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

E.B. Howard Consulting collaborates with various organizations to enhance its service offerings, including being listed as an approved consulting agency for Penn’s Innovation Partnership (IPart).

Operational Insights

E.B. Howard Consulting's client-focused approach, combined with its expertise in non-dilutive funding, positions it as a valuable partner for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of grant funding.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

E.B. Howard Consulting aims to expand its reach by forming additional strategic partnerships and enhancing its technological capabilities to streamline the grant proposal process further.

Future Business Directions

The firm plans to continue focusing on emerging industries and technologies, postsecondary education, innovation and commercialization, and regional economic development to support a diverse range of clients.

Opportunities for Expansion

By leveraging its expertise and expanding its network, E.B. Howard Consulting has the opportunity to assist a broader array of organizations in securing non-dilutive funding and achieving their innovation goals.