The Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) develops innovative solutions to enable faster, simpler, and fairer interconnection of solar energy, wind energy, and energy storage, while enhancing the reliability and resilience of our nation’s distribution and transmission grid networks. As a partner in the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X), you can participate in various activities dedicated to solving interconnection problems at regional, technological, and sector-specific levels:

• Access to the Online Stakeholder Platform
• Participate in Working Groups
• Direct Access to Interconnection Experts
• Workshops and Informational Resources
• Feedback on Deliverables
• Technical Assistance Opportunities

The Solar Prize encourages the rapid development of innovative solar energy solutions capable of addressing the tough challenges facing the solar industry. Solar Prize competitors participate in three contests—the Ready!, Set!, and Go! Contests—to transform their ideas into reality in months, rather than years. Competitors have the chance to win part of $4.1 million in prizes to help them advance in the competition and accelerate the development of their solution.

Round 6 includes an optional additional challenge that focuses on advancing solar in underserved communities. Participants who choose to incorporate this initiative into their solutions have the chance to be considered for a new Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Contest and a bonus cash prize!

Tribes are eligible to apply for up to $200,000 to support facility and residential projects. Tribal Facility Solar Project Funding can include rooftop, carport or ground-mount solar installations that meet the energy needs of the tribal community and Tribal Residential Solar Project Funding is designated for solar energy installed on a single-family home or small multi-family complex to significantly reduce the financial burden spent on electricity costs.

The Tribal Energy Innovation (TEI) Fellowship will be entering its third year and is offering a $25,000 award designated for federally-recognized tribal members who are entrepreneurs, or a member of a cooperative or social/business enterprise which supports renewable energy infrastructure and capacity building in tribal communities. The Fellowship is designed to develop and strengthen tribal energy sovereignty and resilience in Indian Country by supporting tribal members who are entrepreneurs or a member of a social/business enterprise that advances sustainable renewable energy solutions and capacity building in tribal communities.

During the year-long, stipend fellowship, fellows learn from GRID staff, from one another, and from industry mentors and professionals on best practices in renewable energy planning, business, workforce development and training, and other areas of technical support. GRID Alternatives and the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund have partnerships across the U.S. to provide a network of professional, educational support and opportunities with industry leaders, and exposure to advanced technologies from around the world. The fellowship culminates with a business presentation to GRID staff, industry professionals and other renewable energy changemakers looking to invest in innovative approaches to the unique energy needs across Indian Country.

Through proven, evidence-based entrepreneurship programs, mentorship, technical assistance, and direct services we accelerate the growth of BIPOC-led enterprises in North Texas and beyond — APPLY TO OUR FALL 2022 ACCELERATOR PROGRAM. To apply, you must attend an information session on June 15, July 20, or August 17.

Whether you’re just starting out or growing your small business, access to capital is key to your success. With a range of loan products and sizes, technology to streamline the application process, and a dedicated team to help you understand your options, we offer small business loans that work for you. Term loans range from $1k-$2M and lines of credit are available as well. Business must be located in one of the 19 states we serve: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Accion Opportunity Fund offers loans in a range of sizes ($5k-$100k) as well as educational resources, coaching, and support networks in English and Spanish. We also support ITIN-only borrowers. More than just loans – it also provides educational resources, coaching, and access to support networks. When you repay your loan, AOF reinvests that money into other small businesses.

EnrichHER connects companies led by women and founders of color to the capital, coaching, and community they need to take their businesses to new heights. Access direct loans and lines of credits from $10k-$250k and $5k small business grants. Additionally, EnrichHER has a five-week Business Financing Accelerator to put you on the fast-track to funding and get you access to its network of funders.

Our mission is to provide Black/Brown woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship. We fund and scale tech-enabled, revenue-generating businesses (under $1M) founded by people who identify as Black/Brown and woman. We ignite civic engagement and hyperlocal infrastructure at the intersection of business support services, supplier diversity, social and financial capital.

The Majira Project Accelerator Program is now accepting applications for its 2022-23 7th Cohort. Accepted small businesses led by or serving Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities receive a pro-bono, company-specific consulting engagement with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a business coach, and connections to an extensive network of mentors, funders, and other resources to accelerate growth. After successful completion of the program, they become a permanent member of the broader Majira community and are eligible for continued support. Apply by 7/31 11:59pm ET. Learn more and apply on our website

This FOA supports high-impact technology RD&D to accelerate the bioeconomy and, in particular, the production of low-carbon fuels for the aviation, marine, rail, and long-haul trucking industries. BETO is focusing on applied RD&D to improve the performance and reduce cost of biofuel production technologies and scale-up production systems in partnership with industry. Under this funding opportunity, BETO is interested in the following Topic Areas:

• Topic Area 1: Pre-Pilot Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries
• Topic Area 2: Pilot Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries
• Topic Area 3: Demonstration Scale-Up of Integrated Biorefineries
• Topic Area 4: Gen-1 Corn Ethanol Emission Reduction

The  U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI), released a $5 million solicitation for small-scale desalination and water-reuse technologies that will improve the safety, security, and affordability of America’s water supply.

The Pilot Program request for proposals (RFP) offers applicants the chance to design, build, operate, and test desalination and water reuse treatment systems that produce clean water from non-traditional water sources, such as brackish water, seawater, produced and extracted water, and wastewater.