CLEANPOWER in Color-Beyond the Grid: Funding the Next Generation of Clean Energy Entrepreneurs of Color

This session will provide practical, experience-based guidance on how entrepreneurs of color can successfully access capital in the clean energy sector. Grounded in real-world insights, the session aims to demystify funding pathways and equip attendees with a clear understanding of the types of capital available at different stages of business development, how founders have navigated these pathways, and how to position themselves before making the transition into entrepreneurship.

The session emphasizes actionable outcomes, ensuring participants leave with clarity on who to approach, how to prepare, and what steps to take next. A key focus is bridging the gap between aspiration and execution—particularly for professionals currently working in utilities or corporate clean energy roles who are considering launching their own ventures. By highlighting lived experiences, the panel will provide relatable examples of when founders decided to take the leap, the mistakes they encountered, and how they secured their initial funding.

The panel features a diverse mix of speakers, including a founder of color who transitioned from industry to entrepreneurship, an early-stage capital provider focused on diverse founders, and an expert in non-dilutive funding such as grants and public programs. Together, these voices will offer insights into what makes a founder fundable, how to access capital without traditional networks, and how alternative funding sources can serve as a critical first step in building a scalable clean energy business.

This session is only open to CLEANPOWER in Color ticket holders. Register and learn more.