Grants for Small businesses - Energy

Grid Enhancement Grant Subaward Program Program Description The Grid Enhancement Grant Subaward program allocates funds for utility infrastructure investments in Arkansas. Leveraging federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), this program aims to modernize and strengthen America’s power grid, particularly against natural disasters, while fostering economic development within the state. The funding will support projects delivering direct benefits to Arkansans by bolstering grid resilience, mitigating outages during disasters, and promoting investments in the state’s grid workforce. Program Objectives Funds provided through this subaward program are intended to achieve the following objectives: Increase the Reliability of the Arkansas Electric Grid Achieve Whole Community Impact Support the Development of the State’s Grid Workforce For further details on these objectives, refer to the state Program Narrative below. Eligible Entities Eligible applicants encompass Arkansas electric utilities such as investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipal electric utilities. Additionally, electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners or operators, distribution providers, and fuel suppliers are eligible. Timeline Application period opens: April 2, 2024. Deadline for proposal submission and SF-424 form: 5 PM CT, Friday, July 19, 2024. DFA encourages eligible entities to review the application, guidance, and FAQ document promptly. Questions should be directed to [email protected] by April 30, 2024. DFA will respond to broadly applicable questions by updating the FAQ document due to the program's competitive nature. For additional information or inquiries, please contact [email protected].

The "Notice of Intent to Issue Fiscal Year 2025 Solar Module and Solar Hardware (SMASH) Incubator Notice of Funding Opportunity" grant aims to boost private investment in the commercialization of innovative solar photovoltaic technology, focusing on crystalline silicon and cadmium telluride module technologies, and non-module hardware technology, with funding primarily awarded to for-profit entities.

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund demonstrations of community-based virtual power plant (VPP) approaches and demonstrations of innovative energy management systems (EMS) in commercial buildings with the goal of increasing demand flexibility. Demand flexibility refers to comprehensive programs and strategies that align electricity consumption with dynamic grid conditions. These can include both event-based demand response (DR) and load shifting strategies. Accelerating demand flexibility is a key strategy for California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the state’s climate and clean energy goals reliably and affordably.    VPPs are portfolios of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as smart thermostats, rooftop solar photovoltaics, electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and smart water heaters that are actively controlled by software to benefit the power system, consumers, and the environment. While these resources have the potential to meet grid needs as reliably as conventional alternatives such as gas-fired generators, their advantages extend further, offering greater affordability and substantial decarbonization benefits.[3] However, research and development of both technologies and business models is needed to fully capitalize on and understand VPPs’ potential, especially the systems that feature predictive controls and require minimal consumer engagement. The examples of predictive controls relevant to this research include, but are not limited to, the use of artificial intelligence or model predictive controls for EV load shifting or building pre-cooling applications.   Projects will be funded in two groups. Group 1: Virtual Power Plants: Demonstrations that showcase community-based demand flexibility programs as a long-term (10 or more years) grid resource. Project teams must partner with local governments or non-profits to facilitate customer participation and smart device installations. Projects must evaluate the benefits and cost-effectiveness of community-based VPP approaches that use state-of-the-art DER management software (DERMS).   ·       Group 2: Commercial Building Energy Management in Low-Income or Disadvantaged Communities: Demonstrations of innovative EMS in commercial buildings focused on specific characteristics such as interoperability and adherence to open-source standards. Demonstrations require participation in electric investor-owned utility (IOU) or third-party DR programs and partnerships with device and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These projects must showcase the latest advancements in energy management in the commercial sector and ensure technology adaptability, efficiency, and collaboration within the broader energy landscape.       

CAL FIRE's Wood Products and Bioenergy team seeks to maintain and enhance the wood products infrastructure of California to promote healthy resilient forests throughout the state by supporting a diverse set of business development and workforce development projects.  ; Eligible business development projects include facilities, operations, and professional services that support the restoration of healthy, resilient forests.   Eligible workforce development projects include universities, colleges, government and community organizations, and businesses that aim to increase workforce capacity in the fields of logging, fuels treatment, transportation, manufacturing, or other support services that bolster the development of a resilient forest sector workforce.   Research and development projects related to both business and workforce development will also be considered. Check out the Wood Products website and subscribe for updates.     

Hydrogen can serve as a zero-carbon energy carrier and act as a potential replacement for fossil fuels in hard-to-electrify applications, particularly for the transportation, industrial, and electricity generation sectors. For the purposes of this solicitation, clean hydrogen is defined as hydrogen produced from water using eligible renewable energy resources, as defined in Public Utilities Code 399.12, or produced from these eligible renewable energy resources. To achieve sustainable wide-scale deployment, hydrogen must be produced cleanly at increased scale and reduced cost. This solicitation aims to reduce the cost burden of clean hydrogen production through large-scale, centralized production coupled with storage, delivery, and pre-determined offtakers to support a comprehensive hydrogen value chain. Expected outcomes include the development and deployment of low-carbon, cost-competitive hydrogen production from renewable energy sources and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in hard-to-electrify sectors.   The 2022 California Air Resources Board (CARB) Scoping Plan estimates that by 2045, demand for low-carbon hydrogen increases nearly two-fold the current levels of fossil hydrogen – or a 1,700-fold increase in existing low-carbon hydrogen supply – especially to support emerging end uses such as heavy-duty vehicles, power generation, industrial process heat, and synthetic fuels for aviation. Hydrogen produced from water using renewable energy resources or produced directly from renewable energy resources can provide low-carbon energy and act as an alternative to fossil gas, helping meet California's GHG reduction goals of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045.     

This grant provides funding to organizations and institutions to develop a comprehensive maritime strategy for Michigan that promotes sustainability, equity, and environmental justice in the state's shipping and boating sectors.

This grant provides funding for individuals and organizations to develop innovative energy storage solutions that cater to unique applications in underserved communities and extreme climates, promoting grid modernization and reliability.

This program provides funding to Pennsylvania school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to help them transition to cleaner transportation through projects like purchasing alternative fuel vehicles and installing refueling equipment.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.

This program provides financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of this solicitation is to award grants to fund projects focused on geothermal energy and lithium recovery from geothermal brine that support local jurisdictions and private entities to advance the geothermal sector and related activities per Public Resource Code (PRC) Sections 3800-3827 and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Sections 1660-1665. ; This solicitation aims to support the goals of Senate Bill 100 (SB 100, De Leon, Chapter 312, Statures of 2018), Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32, Nunez, Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006), and SB 32 (Pavley, Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016) to meet the eligible renewable energy, zero-carbon energy, and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The proposed projects must not exceed thirty-six (36) months in length – the project term must be in alignment with the proposed project scope and budget, and it is encouraged to explain that alignment in the Project Narrative (Attachment 3). The proposed projects are limited to addressing one of the eligible purposes allowed by the Geothermal Grant and Loan Program, as presented in Section I.C., Project Focus, per PRC Section 3823. This solicitation will be conducted as a two-phase process. Phase one is for local jurisdictions that want to compete for technical assistance funds to develop and prepare the full proposal for this solicitation. Phase one applicants need to complete a 1) Technical Assistance Application Form, 2) Technical Assistance Project Summary, and 3) Technical Assistance Scope of Work. Phase two is for local jurisdictions and private entities to submit the full proposal, as indicated in Section I E. (Key Activities Schedule) of this solicitation. See Part II of this solicitation for applicant and project eligibility requirements. Phase one and Phase two applications will be evaluated as follows: (1) proposal screening and (2) proposal scoring, as fully described in Section IV. Applicants may submit multiple applications, though each application must address only one of the eligible purposes identified in Section 1 C. (Project Focus) of this solicitation. If an applicant submits multiple applications, each application must be for a distinct project (i.e., no overlap with respect to the tasks described in the Scope of Work).

The Santa Rosa Improvement Vitalization Enterprise (StRIVE) Grant, administered by the Santa Rosa County Economic Development Office, is designed to offer financial assistance to commercial property owners and business owners within Santa Rosa County, Florida. The program's core mission is to facilitate façade improvements and signage upgrades, aligning with a broader goal of enhancing property appearance, increasing property values, and stimulating local economic activity. This initiative directly supports community revitalization and sustainable economic growth within the county. The primary target beneficiaries of the StRIVE Grant are commercial property owners and business owners operating within Santa Rosa County. The program aims to positively impact the aesthetic and economic vitality of commercial areas. By providing grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a required 100% match, the program intends to encourage significant investment in commercial properties. The overarching impact goal is to create a more attractive business environment, which in turn draws more customers, supports local businesses, and fosters a sense of community pride. The grant prioritizes a wide array of exterior improvements, including exterior painting, lighting, new windows and doors, awnings, architectural feature restoration, parking improvements, screening and fencing, sprinkler systems, and signage. It also covers soft costs like licenses and permit fees. The focus is on tangible upgrades that visibly improve the commercial landscape. Eligible properties must be commercially zoned within Santa Rosa County and not exempt from ad valorem property tax. Applicants must possess all necessary business licenses and permits, and any legal or land-use issues must be resolved or explained. Expected outcomes of the StRIVE Grant include a measurable increase in property values, a visible enhancement of commercial building exteriors, and a stimulated local economy. The program anticipates an improvement in the overall appeal of commercial districts, potentially leading to increased foot traffic and business revenue. While specific measurable results like the exact percentage increase in property value or business revenue are not detailed, the focus on "upgrading the appearance of property" and "stimulating economic activity" implies a quantitative and qualitative improvement in the county's commercial health. The requirement for projects to comply with local codes and obtain certificates of occupancy ensures that improvements are sustainable and legally sound.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to technology incubators in Illinois to improve their facilities and services, ultimately promoting economic growth and innovation in the state.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) offers Planning Grants specifically for counties needing to produce 95% complete construction plans and specifications for full courthouse restoration projects. The primary focus and goal of this grant are to restore historic courthouses to their original historic period while simultaneously ensuring they meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. The program prioritizes getting counties "shovel ready," which serves as the immediate expected outcome. Counties that successfully complete these planning documents gain a strategic advantage, including up to 10 additional points on future restoration funding applications, maximizing the state's preservation efforts by encouraging approved plans to transition into funded restoration projects in subsequent cycles. The provided description is too brief to generate a detailed breakdown covering foundation mission alignment, target beneficiaries (beyond "counties"), detailed impact goals, strategic priorities, or theory of change across four to six paragraphs. More extensive documentation regarding the THCPP or the foundation overseeing it would be required to meet the full scope of the request.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a Chicago-based electric vehicle component manufacturer to invest in machinery and equipment for lithium metal battery production, aligning with state initiatives in renewable energy.

This grant provides funding to organizations and event planners for innovative projects that attract visitors to Snohomish, particularly those that encourage overnight stays and boost the local economy during the off-season.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in historic downtowns affected by recent natural disasters, helping them recover and thrive.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to U.S. entities involved in advanced nuclear energy projects to help cover regulatory review costs associated with licensing advanced reactors and related facilities.

Amendment 000002 - The purpose of this amendment is to publish Round 2 of the DE-FOA-0003126 Grid Development Office (GDO) Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagements Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). The Concept Paper Submission deadline is 06/13/2024 at 5:00 PM ET and the Full Application Submission deadline is 08/22/2024 at 5:00 PM ET. Amendment 000001 - The purpose of this amendment is to extend the Concept Paper submission deadline for DE-FOA-0003126 Grid Development Office (GDO) Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagements Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) from November 3, 2023 to November 17, 2023. The Full Application submission deadline for DE-FO3-0003126 Grid Development Office (GDO) Wholesale Electricity Market Studies and Engagements Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is being updated from December 21, 2024 to December 20, 2024. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing, on behalf of the Grid Deployment Office (GDO), this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Awards made under this FOA will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds authorized under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328). Creating more efficient and flexible wholesale markets that will support a more resilient and reliable grid will be critical as new load and generation come online. Functioning wholesale markets provide a platform for energy trading and the integration of electric resources into the grid. Efficient, fair, and transparent market constructs are thus foundational to transitioning to a clean, reliable, equitable electric grid. This FOA will assist applicantsStates, ISOs/RTOs, and domestic entities that have partnered with States and/or ISOs/RTOs that have formed partnerships with or otherwise include States, ISOs/RTOs to perform analytical studies on critical market issues or convene stakeholders to address issues facing developing or existing wholesale markets. GDO suggests five (5) broad priorities for proposed projects: 1) seams between markets, 2) regional resource adequacy, 3) market design and price formation, 4) regional footprint studies, and 5) integrated regional planning approaches. This Funding Opportunity Announcement can be viewed at https://infrastructure-exchange.energy.gov/. Questions regarding the FOA must be submitted to [email protected]. The required Concept Paper due date for this FOA is 06/13/2024 at 5PM ET. The Full Application due date for this FOA is 08/22/2024 at 5PM ET. In the event that an Applicant experiences technical difficulties with a submission, the Applicant should contact the eXCHANGE helpdesk for assistance ([email protected]).

This initiative seeks input from energy stakeholders to identify and develop large-scale electric grid projects that can meet the increasing energy demands of industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing.