• Program Introduction (2) - next one is 3/11!
• The Proposal Budget: 7 Things to Remember  - 3/18 (only two weeks away!)
• It's in the Fine Print - Post Award Requirements

• Grantsmanship
• Phase 1 Proposal Training (Date TBD - Fee Event)

• From Proposal to Project Budget: Direct Costs, Indirect Rates, and Fees (For SBIR Awardees and Current Proposers)
• How to maximize profits with the right business structure (For SBIR Awardees and Current Proposers)

March 2009

ARC Releases FY09 Energy Grants Competition RFPs. 

Two Energy RFPs have been issued, one focusing on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency For K – 12 Schools, and a second RFP focusing on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Training and Certification Programming to be delivered by community colleges, vocational and technical schools, trade associations, 4-year colleges and universities, and non-profits. The deadline for submission of proposals is May 29, 2009. Additional information is provided below and announcements for each RFP are attached. For more information on these Grant Competitions and to obtain the full RFP solicitations, please visit http://www.arc.gov/energy.

February 2009

Take advantage of early registration for the NC Nanotechnology Commercialization Conference!

Have you ever wondered...
1. Why should I care about nanotechnology?
2. What does nanotechnology have to do with NASCAR?
3. What cutting-edge discoveries are being made in nanotechnology and nanoscience research?
4. How can I fund my nanotech breakthrough?
5. What do investors and intellectual property experts advise when it comes to commercializing nanotechnology?
6. Which North Carolina companies are already using nanotechnology to enhance every day products?
7. How does nanotechnology compare with biotechnology and information technology?
8. What do leaders in industry, research, and the public sector think about commercializing nanotech in North Carolina?
9. Who are the people who have successfully built companies around nanotechnology applications?
10. Why is everyone, even NC Governor Perdue, talking about nanotechnology as an important "emerging technology"?

For answers to all these and more, register for the NC Nanotechnology Commercialization Conference! Early bird registration fee ($125) expires March 15th. Prominent speakers include Secretary of Commerce Mr. Keith Crisco, 2008 News and Observer Tar Heel of the Year Dr. Joseph DeSimone, and President of Lux Research, Mr. Matthew Nordan. For a full list of speakers and detailed agenda, visit the North Carolina Nanotechnology Commercialization Conference site.


February 2009

NC Green Business Fund Update

The Office of Science & Technology received 299 Pre-Proposals with a total estimated request of $25 million from across North Carolina by the January 9th Pre-Proposal deadline.  Each Pre-Proposal was thoroughly reviewed to ensure that the proposed project fell within the scope of the NC green Business Fund.  On February 6th, 2009 – 120 applicants with an total estimated request of $10 million were invited to submit full Project Proposals by April 6th, 2009. 

The Office of Science & Technology is assembling over 70 experts to serve on the Advisory Committee. Following the procedures established in FY2007-2008; all Advisory Committee members must sign a Conflict of Interest and Non-Disclosure Statement before reviewing Project Proposals.  Advisory Committee members will receive and review Project Proposals in mid April and meet in late April/early May to make reccomendations.  As set forth in the NC Green Business Fund Program Guidelines, the Acting Executive Director serves as the Chair of the Advisory Committee and will take into consideration the recommendations of the Advisory Committee when deciding which proposed projects will receive funding.  Awardees will be announced in early June 2009.

January 2009

Adjustment to the 2008-2009 NC Green Business Fund Invitations for Project Proposals

During the Pre-Proposal phase of the FY 2008-2009 North Carolina Green Business Fund Solicitation, the North Carolina Board of Science & Technology received 298 North Pre-Proposals, for a total estimated request of $25 million dollars.

The Board is very excited to receive this level of interest in the North Carolina Green Business Fund! We also want to ensure that each Pre-Proposal receives an adequate amount of time and attention during the Pre-Proposal review process.

Therefore, please note the following adjustments to the Timeline and Dates of Importance found on pages 7 and 8 of the FY 2008-2009 North Carolina Green Business Fund Solicitation:

--February 6th, 2009 – Invitations for Project Proposals sent via email.
(This is one week later than originally listed in the Solicitation)

--April 6th, 2009 – Required Documents and Project Proposals Due by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on April 6th, 2009!
(This is one week later than originally listed in the Solicitation)

We understand that you are very excited to learn the outcome of the Pre-Proposal reviews; however, we respectfully request all Pre-Proposal applicants refrain from contacting our office in the near future so the Board may complete the Pre-Proposal reviews by February 6th. As soon as additional information is available, we will make it available.

Thank you very much for your interest in the North Carolina Green Business Fund!


January 2009

NC IDEA Announces Spring 2009 Grants Program is Now Open for Applications

RTP, NC - NC IDEA announces the opening of their seventh grant application cycle.  With over $1.2 million awarded to 32 companies in North Carolina since 2006, NC IDEA helps start-up companies by bridging the funding gap between government and private equity support.  Firms interested in grants of up to $50,000 are invited to submit an online pre-proposal application by Friday, January 30 at www.ncidea.org.
Grant Eligibility
The NC IDEA Grants Program awards funding to between three and six firms based in North Carolina that are focused on information technology, medical devices, material sciences or green technologies, with preference given to those that have not received equity financing.  Entrepreneurs who have not formed a company may apply, but company incorporation will be required prior to the award of grant funding.

Application Process
Pre-proposal applications must be submitted online by Friday, January 30 at www.ncidea.org. Approximately 20 companies submitting “pre-proposal” submissions will be selected to participate in a subsequent full proposal submission and review period. This process will include submission of a more comprehensive proposal and prioritized budget for use of grant proceeds.  A final round of applicant companies will be selected to present their proposal to a NC IDEA Grants Program advisory committee comprised of entrepreneurs and early-stage business advisors. Grant recipients will be notified in May.

About NC IDEA
NC IDEA provides grants, loans and traditional venture capital to help young companies between seed funding and Series A financing. The non-profit company further supports these companies by leveraging strategic partnerships and alliances to help companies through research phases, business challenges and growth goals. NC IDEA is committed to supporting North Carolina’s economic development by ensuring young, innovative companies grow, create jobs and become contributing business leaders.  

For more information, visit www.ncidea.org.

January 2009

SBTDC Hosts a Free SBIR/STTR webinar on Thursday, January 29th from 3-4:00PM

SBIR Webinar - Thursday, January 29, 2009: 3:00 to 4:00PM

Join us for a Webinar on January 29 Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/458651315 Attend this free afternoon seminar to learn about the $2.2 Billion in R&D funding available for innovative technologies via the Federal Government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.  The Seminar will introduce attendees to SBIR/STTR programs, the services that the SBTDC provides to those looking to submit proposals, as well as sources of additional program information. Title:   SBIR Webinar - Thursday, January 29, 2009: 3:00 to 4:00PM Date: Thursday, January 29, 2009 Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

January 2009

Ignite Clean Energy 2009 Team Building Event in RTP

Register Today!

An Ignite Clean Energy Team Building Event will be held in: Research Triangle Park, NC presented by: The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) and SJF Ventures Wednesday, January 7th 5:30-8:30pm

Register Here Early-Bird Rate: $15 CED Members / $25 non-members On-Site: $25 CED Members / $35 non-members

Location: MCNC 3021 Cornwallis Road RTP, NC 27709 Directions

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), SJF Ventures and Ignite Clean Energy (ICE) have partnered to host an event focusing on sustainable businesses. At this event, a representative from the ICE business plan competition will be presenting an overview of the competition and what's in store for 2009. The event will also feature a panel session focusing on the investment landscape for cleantech companies.

For a complete agenda and list of speakers, click here. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Call at ecall@cednc.org or 919.226.0482

December 2008

2008-2009 North Carolina Green Business Fund Solicitation is now available. Please read the Solicitation thoroughly!

December 2008

ASU Energy Center seeks grant proposals

The university’s Energy Center is seeking grant proposals for its newly established research grant program.

The deadline to submit a required “Intent to Submit Proposal” is Jan. 5, 2009. The deadline to submit the finalized proposal is Feb. 2, 2009. Approximately $1 million is available for awards over the two-year budget cycle. Individual awards typically range from $10,000 to $100,000, though all proposals will be considered.

“As a part of the new Appalachian Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics (RIEEE), the Energy Center seeks to bring relevant individuals and disciplines together in a way that enhances the work and impact of the university,” said Todd Cherry, interim director of the center and a professor in the Department of Economics. “The grant program is one element of reaching out across campus.”

Proposals will be considered that:

• develop new technologies, processes and system improvements that contribute to renewable energy supply, energy efficiency improvements and energy conservation

• provide relevant information and policy analyses that assist leaders in public and private sectors in solving problems facing North Carolina

• increase competitiveness for external grant funding at the Energy Center and Appalachian

• elevate the quality and visibility of energy-related research at Appalachian

• establish collaborations with other universities, research organizations, public agencies and the private sector

• contribute to economic development in North Carolina; or meet an energy need identified by either the State Energy Plan for North Carolina, the N.C. Public Utilities Commission, N.C. General Statutes, Gubernatorial Directive, UNC General Administration, or other legitimate public policy vehicle

“We want to maintain our successful work with energy efficiency, renewable energy, biofuels and policy analysis, but we also wish to expand and develop new programs of work in these and other areas,” Cherry said.

For more information about the grant program, visit http://www.energy.appstate.edu/docs/AEC-RFP.pdf

December 2008

The Board of Science & Technology will release the 2008-2009 North Carolina Green Business Fund Solicitation on Monday, December 8, 2008. Solicitation details will be posted on the Board’s website at http://www.ncscitech.com and the N.C. Green Business Fund website at http://www.ncscitech.com/gbf/.

The N.C. Green Business Fund, created by the NC General Assembly in 2007, is designed to promote the statewide growth of economic activity via environmentally preferable technologies and practices that improve operational performance, productivity or efficiency while reducing costs, energy consumption, waste or pollution. The fund will award grants for activities that encourage the expansion of small to medium-sized businesses with 100 or fewer employees that have innovative commercial technologies, products and services to grow a green economy in the state in one or more of the following priority areas:

1) Development and promotion of the biofuels industry:
Grants made in this category may target projects that maximize the development, production, distribution, retail infrastructure, and consumer purchase of biofuels, as well as workforce development in these areas.

2) Development and promotion of the green building industry:
Grants made in this category may target projects that promote the development and growth of a market for environmentally preferable building products and methods. Grants may support the installation, certification, or distribution of green building materials; energy audits; the marketing and sales of green building products and methods in North Carolina, as well as workforce development in these areas.

3) Attracting and leveraging private sector investment and entrepreneurial growth in environmentally conscious clean technologies and renewable energy products and businesses in North Carolina:
Grants made in this category may target projects that attract and leverage private-sector investment or promote entrepreneurial growth in North Carolina related to a wide range of environmentally preferable technologies, products and services. These may include, but are not limited to, renewable energy, fuel cells, transportation efficiency, water quality, water conservation, waste energy reclamation advanced materials, energy efficiency, and clean distributed generation and workforce development. Projects in this category must broadly facilitate additional private investment in North Carolina companies.

There are two important changes for the 2008-2009 application process. First, in 2007-2008 eligibility was limited to small for-profit businesses with 100 or fewer employees. However, in 2008-2009 eligibility is open to: 1) small for-profit businesses (with 100 or fewer employees); 2) nonprofit organizations; 3) state agencies; and 4) local governments. Second, all applicants must complete a Pre-Proposal by January 9, 2009, before submitting a complete application and project proposal. The 2008-2009 solicitation contains the details on the application process.

December 2008

NC Green Business Fund Grant workshops:

December 13th - Western Wake Technical Community College from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Room #118. The event is free; but limited to 80 seats. To register for the workshop, please send an email to caroix@waketech.edu.

December 11th from 8:30am to 3pm at Central Carolina Community College – Pittsboro Campus in the Multipurpose room. The purpose of the workshop is to provide information on the NC Green Business Fund, how to apply for an NC Green Business Fund award, and information on writing an NC Green Business Fund proposal. Eligibility for the 2008-2009 NCGBF Solicitation is open to 1) small for-profit businesses (with 100 or fewer employees), 2) non-profit organizations, 3) State agencies, and 4) local governments. The event is sponsored by Central Carolina Community College and will feature presentations by the Small Business Center and Small Business Technology Development Center. The event is free but advanced registration is required. Please contact CCCC Chatham Campus Continuing Education at 919-542-6495 x223 or by email at rleftwich@cccc.edu to register. For workshop information, please contact Karen H. Allen at 919-542-6495 x202 or Kallen@cccc.edu.

December 17th from 9am to 3pm - South Piedmont Community College in Wadesboro in the Ingram Room of the Lockhart Taylor Building. The purpose of the workshop is to provide information on the NC Green Business Fund, how to apply for an NC Green Business Fund award, and information on writing an NC Green Business Fund proposal. Eligibility for the 2008-2009 NCGBF Solicitation is open to 1) small for-profit businesses (with 100 or fewer employees), 2) non-profit organizations, 3) State agencies, and 4) local governments. The event is sponsored by Anson County Economic Development Corporation and Anson County Chamber of Commerce. The event is free but requires attendees to RSVP to Misty Harris at 704-694-9513 or by email to mharris@co.anson.nc.us by Monday, December 15. For workshop information, please contact Misty Harris at 704-694-9513 or by email to mharris@co.anson.nc.usand for information on the NC Green Business Fund, please contact RV Rikard at 919-716-0110 or rvrikard@nccommerce.com.

The grant workshop that was scheduled for December 2nd at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College was postponed because of a winter weather advisory. It has been rescheduled for December 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please contact Abby Gage at agage@abtech.edu or 828-254-1921 ext 5858 to register.