Small Business, Big Impact

Supporting entrepreneurs in their fight against climate change

 

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Helping Entrepreneurs and Innovators Bring Their Clean Tech Ideas to Life Since 2005

Business Accelerator

Our focus on innovation equips startups with the tools, resources, and industry insights needed to stay ahead in the competitive cleantech landscape.

Educational Resources

Our specialized training and education programs to equip entrepreneurs with the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory insights.

Collaborative Ecosystem

Join our vibrant community shaping a sustainable future where innovation thrives and impactful solutions come to life.

CONNECT

At CleanStart, we cultivate connections for small businesses and entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration on sustainable initiatives through events, forums, and meet-ups. Join a network that shares your passion for positive environmental change.

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PROMOTE

Dive into CleanStart’s Progress Report, celebrating Northern California’s clean tech achievements and expertise. Join the clean tech revolution, empowering positive impact on the environment.

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EDUCATE

Transform with knowledge. Access workshops, webinars, and guides for the latest in sustainable business insights. Equip yourself to seamlessly integrate sustainability into your operations.

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Latest Blogs

Dive into the dynamic landscape of clean tech, exploring ideas and success stories.

Is This Region Becoming a Battery & Energy Storage Hub?

by | March 3, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

At our battery storage meetup on February 26, five dozen people came to be inspired by all the world-class work being done here. We had four panelists, and by the end of the meeting, it was clear all four of their companies had the potential to make a big impact...
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Why All Generation Is Moving Toward Storage + Arbitrage?

by | March 3, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

For years, batteries were framed as a companion to wind and solar — a way to smooth intermittency and shift renewable energy into the evening peak. That story is now outdated. The new reality? Every major power generation source — gas, nuclear, hydro, geothermal, even...
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Solir and Plumas Wood Fiber Secure State Grants

by | March 3, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

Two more graduates from our accelerator program have landed major funding to scale their innovations. Both companies were awarded competitive grants from the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) and the California Infrastructure and Economic...
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Are New Energy Storage Technologies Emerging Fast?

by | February 5, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

Just when it feels like the energy storage landscape is starting to make sense, new technologies keep popping up—often landing in inboxes faster than they can be fully evaluated. From hybrid compressed air systems to radically new battery chemistries, the pace of...
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Is Geothermal Ready to Power a Decarbonized Grid?

by | January 28, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

Geothermal energy has always been framed as the clean energy solution that should work. It offers firm, 24/7 baseload power, tiny land footprints, and zero carbon emissions. In theory, it complements intermittent renewables perfectly. In practice, geothermal has had a...
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Will Kern County Lead in Advanced Energy Storage?

by | January 28, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

Hydrostor, a Canadian energy storage company, is breaking new ground in California with its Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) project in Kern County. The $1.5 billion initiative, named Willow Rock, will feature a 500 MW peak output and 4 GWh energy...
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Is Sacramento becoming a Hub for Battery Innovation?

by | January 28, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

For decades, the Bay Area has been celebrated as California’s technological epicenter. With giants like Google, Apple, and Salesforce, it’s hard to imagine any region overtaking Silicon Valley in software innovation. However, the Greater Sacramento Valley is quietly...
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Will These 2026 Climate Predictions Come True?

by | January 14, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

We’re making our annual energy and climate predictions. Disagree? Tell us why. 1. Another Major Private Investment in Nuclear Private capital keeps flowing into fusion and novel nuclear technologies. In 2025, Helion raised $425M (over $1B total since 2013) to build...
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Why Battery Backup Is Becoming Essential in PG&E Territory?

by | January 12, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

For homes and businesses across Northern California, being in Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) territory increasingly means dealing with high electricity costs, frequent outages, and wildfire-related safety shutoffs. Battery backup systems are emerging as...
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Are “Pancake” Motors the Next Big Leap in EV Performance?

by | January 8, 2026 | Blog | 0 Comments

Our earlier excitement about a radical electric motor innovation—axial flux motors—is aging remarkably well. Recent news from Mercedes-Benz, which acquired UK-based motor pioneer YASA, suggests these motors are officially leveling up: lighter weight, higher...
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Start Your CleanTech Business

We provide comprehensive support for aspiring innovators in the cleantech industry.

 

  • Product Ideation Support: Guiding individuals in creating and selling cleantech and sustainability products.
  • Critical Question Assessment: Helping entrepreneurs answer nine key questions to validate their product concept.
  • Concept Worth Validation: Supporting the process of proving the viability and value of new product ideas.
 
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Testimonials

"As an entrepreneur in the sustainability sector, CleanStart Inc. has been an invaluable ally. Their expert guidance, networking events, and access to funding opportunities have been instrumental in turning our vision into a thriving reality."

Diana, CEO of ThermēShade

"I appreciate the work that Clean Start has done so far with and for EV Life, your CEO crash course in the very beginning of my journey was really an incredible experience and really set us up to go tackle the first set of challenges with confidence. So thank you."

CEO Kevin Favro, EV Life

"Being a part of CleanStart Inc. has opened doors we never thought possible for our sustainable business. The continuous learning opportunities and exposure to industry leaders have significantly contributed to our success. Forever grateful for their commitment to fostering innovation in cleantech."

President of LiCAP Technologies, Inc.

“We established CleanStart with the mission to empower visionaries and guide them towards success in the marketplace, eliminating the need for numerous costly mistakes.”

Gary Simon

Chairman/Founder, CleanStart Inc.

“We take pride in empowering startups. Our personalized mentorship and tailored programs drive clean energy ventures to new heights, showcasing our commitment to innovation and tangible industry impact.”

Thomas Hall

Executive Director, CleanStart Inc.

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Regional Companies

Our comprehensive map is a dynamic guide highlighting the emerging and thriving cleantech companies in our region.

 

  • Facilitates Collaboration:
    • Fosters networking and partnerships among nearby cleantech companies, driving collaborative initiatives.
  • Economic Boost:
    • Attracts investment, creates jobs, and stimulates economic growth by showcasing a thriving regional cleantech sector.
  • Community Engagement:
    • Enhances community awareness, encouraging local support and participation in sustainable initiatives.
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