Federal Business and Commerce Grants

The Silicon Carbide (SiC) Packaging Prize, a three-phase competition launched by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Electricity, aims to accelerate the development of state-of-the-art SiC packaging prototypes. This initiative aligns with the DOE's mission to advance energy technologies and strengthen grid-based applications. The program's core objective is to push the industry beyond its current limitations in semiconductor packaging, specifically targeting the expansion of SiC power module capabilities to handle higher voltage and current. By fostering innovation in SiC packaging, the DOE seeks to enable more efficient and robust high-performance power electronics for future grid applications. The target beneficiaries of this prize are private entities (for-profits and nonprofits), nonfederal government entities (states, counties, tribes, and municipalities), academic institutions, and individuals based in the United States. The impact goal is to develop 10-kV, 2,000-A rated SiC power modules, addressing existing challenges such as parasitic inductance and heat dissipation that limit the performance of current SiC power modules. The program prioritizes solutions related to the SiC semiconductor packaging industry, with the majority of activities performed in the U.S. and benefiting the U.S. market. It seeks innovations that move the industry forward, are based on fundamental technical principles, and demonstrate a clear intent for commercialization and the establishment of viable U.S.-based businesses. The competition is structured into three phases, each with specific focuses and expected outcomes. Phase 1, "Design Study," requires competitors to describe their teams, plans, and current prototypes, with the goal of developing design documents for a Phase 2 prototype. Phase 2, "Initial Demonstration," will see winners from Phase 1 showcasing advancements in packaging solutions, aiming for progress towards Phase 2 performance metrics and innovation beyond the state-of-the-art. Finally, Phase 3, "Final Demonstration," focuses on achieving high voltage and high current targets for SiC modules, demonstrating significant improvements in packaging solutions and creating transformative technologies. Measurable results are tied to the prize structure, with financial incentives at each phase. Phase 1 offers up to 10 winners $50,000 each, Phase 2 provides up to 4 winners $250,000 each, and Phase 3 culminates with up to 1 winner receiving $750,000. These prizes incentivize progress towards the ultimate goal of developing advanced SiC power modules, with the program's strategic priority being the commercialization of early-stage technology and the growth of U.S.-based businesses. The theory of change behind this prize is that by fostering competition and providing financial support, the DOE can stimulate rapid innovation in a critical technology area, thereby improving grid reliability and performance while bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities.

This funding opportunity is designed to support Jordanian startups in high-impact sectors by providing training and resources to help them successfully enter U.S. markets and strengthen economic ties between Jordan and the United States.

This program provides funding for U.S. nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions to facilitate international exchanges that strengthen workforce development in advanced manufacturing and digital skills for foreign leaders and policymakers.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, and Tuvalu to implement projects that strengthen cultural, educational, and economic ties with the United States.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to enhance Argentina's capabilities in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, fostering collaboration with U.S. entities and promoting secure digital practices among local entrepreneurs and innovation hubs.

This program provides funding to public entities like state and local governments, port authorities, and tribal governments for projects that improve port infrastructure and logistics, enhancing the safety and efficiency of goods movement across the nation.

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) Program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the program will fuel long-term economic development and opportunities in rural America. The ReConnect Program is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141), which directs the program to be conducted under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq ). The policies and procedures for the ReConnect Program are codified in a final rule, 7 CFR part 1740, that was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR 11603). The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce that it is accepting applications for the ReConnect Program. In addition, the NOFO defines requirements that are determined at the time a funding announcement is published, as outlined in the regulation. Beginning on March 22, 2024, applications can be submitted through the RUS on-line application portal until 11:59 a.m. Eastern on May 21, 2024. Applications will not be accepted after May 21, 2024 until a new application opportunity has been opened with the publication of an additional NOFO in the Federal Register . The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities: Assisting rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure. Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects. Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the ReConnect Program Application Guide and program resources. This Program Guide and program resources can be found at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/forms-and-resources. Applications must be submitted through the RUS on-line application system available on the program web site at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/. Please submit any ReConnect questions or comments using our Contact Us Form.

This grant provides funding for research and projects that develop climate change predictions and analyses to help industries adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate-related challenges through 2050.

This program provides funding to U.S. colleges and universities to develop and enhance their capabilities for translating academic research into practical applications that benefit society and the economy.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Idaho for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible entities include agricultural producers with at least 50% income from agricultural operations and small businesses in rural areas, meeting specific criteria. The program supports a range of projects, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, and solar energy systems, as well as energy efficiency upgrades. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and governmental institutions in Uruguay and the U.S. to implement projects that strengthen economic development, democracy, and security, fostering collaboration between American and Uruguayan entities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to existing Small Business Development Centers to enhance their services in business advising, training, and technical assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States.

This competition provides over $4.2 million in cash prizes and resources to U.S.-based individuals and teams developing innovative solar energy technologies, with a focus on supporting solutions that benefit underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to communities affected by recent natural disasters to help them recover and build resilience through various projects, including infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives.

The FY25 Spring Energy I-Corps Lab Call grant is designed to provide funding for projects at DOE National Laboratories, plants, and sites that aim to train researchers in commercialization skills and assess the market potential of their technologies, with a focus on different stages of commercialization.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in Qatar to implement projects that enhance U.S.-Qatar cooperation in economic development, technology innovation, and security collaboration.

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Equatorial Guinea to implement community projects that address global challenges, focusing on areas like sustainable tourism, agriculture, and biodiversity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working to empower grassroots women-led networks and improve economic security for women in eligible countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for teams of alumni from U.S. government-funded exchange programs to implement community-focused projects that promote public service and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

This grant provides funding for U.S. organizations to facilitate international exchanges that connect American technology leaders with foreign STEM professionals, focusing on critical emerging technologies to enhance collaboration and promote U.S. standards globally.