Since 1954, the section 174 R&D tax deduction has enabled businesses conducting research and development to deduct these expenses in the year they are incurred. Unfortunately, this provision lapsed in 2022, significantly increasing the cost of performing R&D and receiving federal grants, such as SBIR/STTR. Many small businesses have been caught unprepared and face potential closure. Businesses and entrepreneur-support organizations are invited to sign-on to our letter calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan proposals restoring immediate expensing for the Section 174 R&D tax deduction.

In each edition of the Inclusive Energy Economy Update, we will be highlighting news, business opportunities, and events at the nexus of economic opportunity and clean energy. These resources have an intentional focus on reaching businesses and communities who are underrepresented in clean energy in terms of race, gender, geographic location, disability, or other socio-economic demographics. Sign up to receive Inclusive Energy Economy updates!

The Clean Energy Business Network joined partners in urging Congressional leadership to protect the federal investments that have been made in clean energy, clean transportation, and energy efficiency through  the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

Learn about labor and apprenticeship requirements for bonus tax credits for clean energy that are coming out of the Inflation Reduction Act.

In the spring of 2023, CEBN weighed in on the design of two newly-authorized programs to support clean energy innovation at the Department of Energy (DOE).

On March 30th, 24 cleantech startups competed for over $150,000 in prizes in a virtual pitch competition. Through the Energy Program for Innovation Clusters (EPIC) Prize, the DOE Office of Technology Transitions, in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), has recognized twenty-four incubators across the country playing a key role in supporting regional energy innovation clusters. Each award-winning incubator nominated one startup to participate in the EPIC showcase.

Learn more about the Energizing Rural Communities Prize, which is a $15 million prize competition that challenges individuals and organizations to develop partnership plans or innovative financing strategies to help rural or remote communities improve their energy systems and advance clean energy demonstration projects.

More than 160 clean energy leaders from 36 states have signed on to CEBN’s letter advocating for robust funding for the Department of Energy and existing federal cleantech programs. On Monday, the Clean Energy Business Network shared this letter with Congressional leadership.

CEBN is publishing answers to frequently asked questions on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to help clarify how its programs can benefit you, your community, and your small business or organization – and, as a result, benefit our economy and our climate.

This post will be updated periodically, so keep it bookmarked!

The American-Made Network is busy this season with multiple prizes to fast track the clean energy revolution! View a summary of current funding opportunities for innovation and commercialization.

A recently published report from the Bipartisan Policy Center identifies a gap in funding for demonstrations and offers recommendations for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. Learn more and download the report.

In July 2022, Congress authorized DOE to establish and collaborate closely with a new non-profit Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI). A guest blog post from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) describes where the idea for FESI came from, what it might do, and how you can get involved by submitting comments to the DOE.