Meet the SBEAP Team
The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) team is here to help small businesses with any environmental question that small businesses may have. Whether it is a general question about what permits are required for your business to the more complex assistance needed for completing a permit application, the SBEAP team is ready to help businesses understand and comply with the environmental rules that affect them. The Technical Assistance team consists of Donovan Grimwood and Ginna McWhirter under the supervision of Crystal Warren.
If you have questions for the SBEAP, please contact us:
Call us at: 800-734-3619
Email SBEAP
Crystal Warren oversees the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) and Pollution Prevention (P2) program. Both programs focus on providing assistance to Tennessee’s businesses that are subject to environmental regulations. Assistance is provided in the form of permitting and compliance help, educational webinars, and informational newsletters. Prior to joining the Office of Sustainable Practices, Crystal worked in the Division of Water Resources – Stormwater programs. Her desire to educate businesses about environmental stewardship began in graduate school while obtaining her Master's in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Mississippi. In her free time, and much to the dismay of her neighbors, Crystal can be found attempting to convert her very suburban ¼-acre homestead into a sustainable garden-farm
Crystal Warren
Program Manager in OSP
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Donovan Grimwood has been with the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) for 26 years. Donovan serves as the Small Business Environmental Ombudsman, advocating for small business interests during regulatory processes. Additionally, Donovan provides clarity and guidance to small businesses, helping them navigate regulations and understand compliance requirements. He is active in the National Steering Committee of State SBEAPs, serving on nearly all subcommittees. Donovan has received national recognition in 2024 for the EPA Administrator's Award for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Assistance to the Small Business Community, and in 2025 for the National Steering Committee of the State SBEAPs Karen V. Brown Leadership award. This award honors their long-term achievements in leadership, innovation, education, dedication to environmental protection, and highlights their efforts to build strong local/state/federal partnerships for small business compliance assistance. Outside of his career with TDEC, he is a head coach in the sport of fencing with Cumberland D'Escrime Fencing Club.
Donovan Grimwood
SBEAP Ombudsman
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Ginna McWhirter’s role in the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is to connect with small businesses across Tennessee and provide information and training about environmental regulations. as the Education and Outreach specialist. Since joining the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in 2020, she has worked in the Divisions of Water Resources and Solid Waste Management. She attended Rollins College in Florida and received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. After hours, Ginna enjoys reading, gardening, and playing soccer.
Ginna McWhirter
SBEAP Outreach and Education
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