In an era where support for clean technology seems to be on the decline, a new opportunity is emerging that should not be overlooked. The Governor’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) has launched a funding initiative aimed at bolstering innovation across California through its Accelerate CA Hubs.  If you are seeking seed funding for your clean tech startup,  keep reading.

Each Hub is receiving a new allocation of grant funds to help advance startups in three key sectors: Agriculture and Food Technology, Health and Life Sciences, and Clean Technology including Zero Emission Vehicles. One of those Hubs, the Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance (SEGA), is playing a leading role in the Sacramento region.

SEGA will be awarding $150,000 in total funding, distributed as $50,000 grants for each of the three industry areas. These awards are non-dilutive, meaning recipients do not give up equity in exchange for the funding. For early-stage companies, especially those in clean tech, this kind of capital can be a critical stepping stone.

Cameron Law, Co-founder of SEGA and Executive Director of the Carlsen Center at Sacramento State, shared more details in a recent webcast on May 22. Law explained the process that applicants must go through to be considered for one of the $50,000 awards in clean tech.

The application is simple enough to begin. Prospective applicants should submit their information by August 1 via SEGA’s online portal. From there, a panel of industry experts will evaluate submissions and select between 8 and 12 companies from each of the three sectors.

Selected companies will then enter a 10-week investment readiness program, which is designed to prepare them for outside funding and help refine their business strategies. These sessions will be held virtually each Wednesday afternoon from 3 to 5 pm, beginning September 3 and running through October 4.

Once the program concludes, companies will present in a competitive pitch event. From there, three to five companies per industry sector will be chosen to undergo final due diligence. Those selected will advance to a final pitch event later in the fall, likely scheduled sometime between mid-October and early November. One winner in each industry category will walk away with a $50,000 award.

For clean tech founders in particular, this program offers a rare mix of mentorship, visibility, and financial support at a time when public funding is becoming harder to secure. The competition also provides a broader opportunity for entrepreneurs to sharpen their pitches, connect with experts, and get noticed by regional stakeholders.

If you are building something in clean tech or zero-emission transportation, now is the time to act.

Applications are due August 1.
To apply, visit the SEGA Accelerate CA portal.

We strongly encourage eligible entrepreneurs in the region to take advantage of this opportunity. Clean tech still has a future. This might just be your chance to help build it.