The Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR), known as “America’s Seed Fund,” provides nondilutive grants to small businesses to help them develop and commercialize technology innovations. The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced topics for the next round of grants. This year’s solicitation is particularly focused on recruiting applicants from underrepresented demographics and also includes a cross-cutting funding opportunity on community partnerships to enable a just and equitable energy transition.

The Clean Energy Business Network is a nationwide nonprofit that serves as the small business voice for the clean energy economy. Our team is working with the Department of Energy and Small Business Administration to help ensure that federal grant dollars for clean energy technology innovation and economic growth reach a more representative range of the U.S. population. We want to make sure every eligible applicant knows about these funding opportunities and receives the support needed to successfully compete for these funds.

The deadline for FY22 phase 1 applications has passed. Learn more about the upcoming FY23 funding opportunity.

Department of Energy’s SBIR/STTR funding is released twice a year. Make sure you’re signed up for the CEBN newsletter to learn about similar relevant funding opportunities or check our cleantech funding database.

FY23 Phase 1 SBIR/STTR Release Timeline:

• July 11, 2022: Release 1 Topics Available
• August 8, 2022: Release 1 Funding Opportunity Announcement Available
• August 29, 2022: Release 1 Letter of Intent (LOI) Due
• October 11, 2022: Release 1 Full Application Due
• November 7, 2022: Release 2 Topics Available
• December 12, 2022: Release 2 Funding Opportunity Announcement Available
• January 3, 2023: Release 2 Letter of Intent (LOI) Due
• February 21, 2023: Release 2 Full Application Due

FY23 Phase I Release 2 Information:

• Topics for funding: Available here under FY22 Phase I Release 2 Topics (Nov. 8)
• Funding Opportunity Announcement: Available here

Technical Assistance:

• First-time applicants: Apply for free technical assistance from DOE’s Phase 0 Dawnbreaker program to help you prepare a winning application. Also access their free tutorials and resources for submitting your SBIR application.
• Applicant Resources:  Take a look at the resources available on the DOE’s SBIR website to find step-by-step submission instructions, helpful templates, and an application checklist for your final submission.
• DOE Power Connectors: CEBN is teaming up with three other DOE Power Connectors to support applicants. Make sure you’re on our list for updates on office hours, webinars, and other resources.
• Local programs: Reach out to your nearest Federal and State (FAST) Partnership Program and other local resources to find out what types of support they offer.