The Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR), known as “America’s Seed Fund,” provides nondilutive grants to small businesses to help them develop and commercialize technology innovations. The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced topics for the next round of grants. This year’s solicitation is particularly focused on recruiting applicants from underrepresented demographics and also includes a cross-cutting funding opportunity on community partnerships to enable a just and equitable energy transition.

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The Clean Energy Business Network is a nationwide nonprofit that serves as the small business voice for the clean energy economy. Our team is working with the Department of Energy and Small Business Administration to help ensure that federal grant dollars for clean energy technology innovation and economic growth reach a more representative range of the U.S. population. We want to make sure every eligible applicant knows about these funding opportunities and receives the support needed to successfully compete for these funds.

Learn more and get a head start on applying with the resources below.

Topics for funding:

• Available here under FY22 Phase I Release 2 (Nov. 8)

Timeline:

• Dec. 13, 2021: Full details released in funding opportunity announcement (FOA)
• Jan. 3, 2022: Letters of intent due
• Feb. 22, 2022: Full applications due

Technical Assistance:

• First-time applicants: Apply for free technical assistance from DOE’s Phase 0 Dawnbreaker program to help you prepare a winning application.
• DOE Power Connectors: CEBN is teaming up with three other DOE Power Connectors to support applicants. Make sure you’re on our list for updates on office hours, webinars, and other resources.
• Local programs: Reach out to your nearest Federal and State (FAST) Partnership Program and other local resources to find out what types of support they offer.

Upcoming Events:

• Dec. 7, 11:30-1 pm ET: WPTO SBIR/STTR Topics Webinar – FY22 Phase I Release 2
• Dec. 7, 2:30-4:30 pm ET: SBIR/STTR Webinar & Teaming Event; overview of the program, strategies for success, and opportunity to team up with partners
• Dec. 9, 11-12 pm ET: UACI Workshop: Finding the Right Topics
• Dec. 16, 11-12 pm ET: UACI Workshop: Writing your Proposal

Past Webinars:

• Watch recording: Webinar on the Phase 0 technical assistance program for first-time applicants
• Watch recording: DOE webinar on CESER, NNSA, OE, & FE funding topics
• Watch recording: DOE webinar on EERE funding topics
• Watch recording: DOE webinar on FES, HEP, & NE funding topics
• Watch recording: DOE Power Connector Office Hours: Getting a Head Start on Your Application
• Watch recording: UACI webinar on Understanding DOE SBIR/STTR Opportunities
• Watch recording: UACI webinar on Understanding DOE SBIR/STTR Preparing Your Letter of Intent
• Watch recording: SETO webinar on SBIR/STTR Solar Topics; Password – jCbY2jVv

Get a Head Start:

• Avoid the last-minute paperwork scramble. Register your business now with DUNS, SAM, Grants.gov and PAMS so you’re ready to submit when the time comes.

Stay tuned for more events to be announced in the weeks to come!