Help Us Drive Innovation

We are on a mission to build a thriving clean tech ecosystem in the Sacramento region that creates jobs, fosters innovation, and supports a more sustainable future.

At CleanStart, we don’t just cheer from the sidelines. We roll up our sleeves and get to work. Over the years, we’ve delivered 160+ strategic advisory sessions, helped 45 startups graduate from our accelerator programs, and coached 100+ clean tech companies through the messy, exciting, hard work of building something real — from investor introductions to commercialization strategy.

And the results? Pretty incredible. Our companies have collectively locked in nearly $50 million in funding, contracts, and grants. Three of them — LiCAP Technologies, XeroHome, and Wind Harvest Energy — have leveled up to growth-stage funding and are now scaling across national and international markets. That’s not luck. That’s what happens when founders have a real community behind them.

Double Your Donation Before Time Runs Out!

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Let’s be honest — the headwinds are real. Shifts in federal priorities have shrunk funding opportunities, spooked investors, and cast a chill over the exact sector where innovation matters most. Programs that used to be lifelines for early-stage founders? Being cut. The gap left behind is significant, and someone has to step up.

CleanStart isn’t stepping back. We’re doubling down — chasing new funding streams and doing everything we can to keep the pipeline of clean energy companies alive and moving. But we can’t do it alone, and that’s where you come in.

Our Accomplishments

Over the past two decades, CleanStart, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit has:

  • Coached over 130 startups, helping them secure funding and scale their innovations.
  • Hosted 168 events connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and clean tech leaders.
  • Published 500 articles about the latest clean technologies in the region.
  • Graduated 45 founders from our accelerator programs.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, partners, and sponsors like you, every dollar has and will contribute directly to this mission, helping entrepreneurs develop technologies that reduce emissions, create jobs, and transform our communities for the better.

Become a Champion Supporter ($500), a Patron Supporter ($250), or simply buy us a cup of coffee. Every little bit helps us continue our mission of making Sacramento a Cleantech hub.

Our community has always been for everyone — students, seasoned founders, investors, policymakers, and anyone who believes clean energy is worth fighting for. Our MeetUps, accelerators, webcasts, and showcases have brought together 1,000+ attendees and grown into a network of 1,500+ engaged folks across the region.

When Washington turns its back on clean tech, we don’t. And with your support, neither do you.

Testimonials

"If you have a clean tech innovation, make your first call to CleanStart to accelerate your path to investors, customers, and talent."

Jack Crawford, General Partner, Impact Venture Capital

"CleanStart is a great non-profit that is invaluable to Sacramento's startup community."

Rich Foreman, Serial Entrepreneur

"CleanStart is a wonderful organization doing so much good for the Sacramento startup community for many years. I have know Gary and Thomas for years and have always admired their dedication and great work. Please support CleanStart for all the great things they do!"

Al Rich, CEO of ACR Solar

"The CleanStart team is a wonderful resource and startup supporters in our community! I have worked with them for many years and appreciate their great work in our region and beyond."

Niki Peterson, UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

"CleanStart has been leading the charge in the Greater Sacramento region for decades by supporting entrepreneurs in founding sustainability-focused tech startups."

Laura Good, Founder of Startup Sac

"CleanStart has been a phenomenal resource in the Sacramento region. The team is knowledgeable, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile to help!"

Imelda Martinez, Director of External Relations of HumanBulb

"CleanStart has been a tremendous resource and community champion for cleantech innovators."

Monique Brown, Managing Director of The Growth Factory

"CleanStart is THE place to get the real scoop on all things cleantech and the opportunities in clean tech - we are so lucky to have this rich resource in the North State!

Eva Shepherd,  Executive Director of ChicoStart

"I've witnessed CleanStart empower clean-tech businesses in Sacramento to go above and beyond. The team puts genuine effort and care into their coaching and classes"

Tzvi Weber, CEO of Purpuratus

Thank You For Donating!

GENERAL CONTRIBUTORS: Al Rich, Roger Johnson, Jeff Bush, Laura Good, John Jagger, Mohammad Tapjparast, JD Stack, Jeff Greef, Christi Black Davis

CleanStart Donor Wall 2025

Patron Supporters 

Al Rich, Guy Hall, Roger Johnson
Help us continue to provide critical resources to early-stage founders. Reach out to our team for partnership or sponsorship opportunities at info@cleanstart.org.

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