Competitors are now invited to submit physical prototype systems, emphasizing technological innovation and challenging entrants to think outside the standard forms, materials, and price points of commercially available products. Up to six competitors earning the most points for innovation exceeding minimum performance requirements will share an award of $2 million.

The Prototype Phase has two separate tracks: a luminaire track and a connected systems track. Competitors may submit an entry for either track or separate entries for both tracks. DOE will evaluate each track’s submissions independently. Participation in the prior Concept Phase is not required to be eligible for subsequent phases of the L-Prize.

Prototype submissions will be evaluated in person by the Expert Reviewer Panel for energy efficiency, lighting performance, functionality, and sustainability features. Competitors can earn points for exceeding the minimum technical requirements and for additional technical innovations and approaches to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Regional Climate Collaboratives (RCC) Program is a capacity building grant program for under-resourced communities that enables cross-sectoral partners to deepen their relationships and develop processes, plans, and projects that will drive and sustain climate action. RCC seeks to strengthen local coordination, leadership, knowledge, and skills with a focus on increasing access to funding resources for project planning and implementation

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.

NDN Fund has created three specialized loans with more flexible under-writing targeted at those Native-owned or tribally-owned businesses that are either adversely impacted by COVID-19 or demonstrate operation in a high-demand industry and/or are applying innovative business strategies. This portfolio will follow NDN Collective’s overall mission and theory of change by prioritizing businesses that demonstrate social and environmental co-benefits. Native-owned businesses are eligible for direct loans ranging from $10k-$50k.

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