Early-Stage Technology R&D (approx. TRL 1-5)
Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X)
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
American-Made Solar Prize Round 6
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!
EPA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, is seeking proposals from small businesses to develop novel environmental technologies. For Phase I, EPA awards firm-fixed-price contracts of up to $100,000 for 6 months for “proof of concept” of the proposed technology. Companies who have received the Phase I can submit a proposal for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology. The current solicitation topics are:
- Clean and Safe Water
- Air Quality & Climate
- Homeland Security
- Circular Economy/Sustainable Materials
- Safer Chemicals
- Risk Assessment
Decarbonize Thailand Startup Sandbox
Don’t miss the opportunity to directly collaborate with Thailand’s leading corporates. Refine your business and pilot project idea with five of the largest corporations of the country in the DTS Startup Sandbox. After the Hackathon, startups and corporations will be matched to tackle set challenges by testing and refining your business model or solution.
- Meet corporate mentors to refine and develop specific solutions for your targeted industry
- Learn from experts and expand your networks.
- The selected teams will get matched with specific corporations and start your POC during the sandbox.
Impact Ventures Accelerator Programs
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.
Be Nimble, Co.
Be Nimble Foundation is a 501(c)(3) social enterprise taking a qualitative and quantitative approach to creating fully diverse and inclusive tech ecosystems. Our career training and placement programs up-skill unemployed, under-employed, and career-transitioners who are interested in careers in the tech industry. Our entrepreneurship programs support Black and Latinx tech start-up founders to get them the resources, support and funding they need to build high-growth, high-scale tech companies.
DreamSpring
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
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
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.
Black Girl Ventures
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.
Majira Project
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