Funding Opportunities for Training Providers and Professionals

New York’s offshore wind (OSW) workforce will grow significantly by 2040, with much of this growth concentrated in the manufacturing/production, construction/extraction, and induced industries. Under this Program Opportunity Notice (PON), the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) seeks proposals for training initiatives focused on addressing projected OSW workforce gaps and preparing workers for high-growth jobs. Training audiences may consist of existing and/or new workers.

The Workforce Development Capital Grant Program will support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings. The Program is open to training programs offering industry-recognized credentials and certificates in high-demand fields by helping trainers make capital investments crucial to industry-driven workforce training. Applicants can apply for funding to be used for modernization of existing training centers, building new facilities, or to purchase machinery, and/or equipment for workforce training.

The Pay for Performance Grant Program will support the operational resource needs of workforce training programs offering specialized job training in high-demand industries. This program will provide flexible funds through two distinct tracks: 1.) Operating Grants and 2.) Capacity-Building Awards.

The Offshore Wind (OSW) NYC Waterfront Pathways Program will help counter documented disparities in public procurement by increasing opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs) interested in the waterfront and offshore wind industries. The program will provide all necessary training to take part as stakeholders in the next generation of renewable energy and support disadvantaged communities with renewable energy jobs for the future.

NYSERDA helps prepare the next generation of clean energy workers by funding internships for students and recent graduates at New York State’s clean energy companies through the New York State Clean Energy Internship Program.

The Clean Energy Internship Program funds individuals interested in energy efficiency, renewable electric power generation, grid modernization and energy storage, alternative transportation and renewable fuels.

Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology funds educational institutions to provide hands-on training in fields that deal with building electrification/heat pump technologies, energy storage, lighting, building automation and large-scale, land-based renewable energy generation.

Climate Justice Fellowship Program funds environmental and climate justice businesses to advance an equitable clean energy transition for all communities, especially those disproportionately burdened by environmental health hazards.

On-the-Job Training Programs funds businesses that deal with HVAC and renewable heating and cooling as well as high efficiency water heating, insulation and/or air sealing. 

Workforce Development Institute (WDI) is an interactive program that provides consulting and mentoring services with regional directors working directly with a business, union, or other entity to understand the issue at hand, and then help develop a response.

REAP provides grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.

DOE’s EERE offers competitive grants through its State Energy Program. Designed to meet DOE’s nationally focused energy initiatives, the funding provides states and territories with opportunities to develop public and private partnerships to deploy energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and programs with high potential for regional and local economic impact.

The Small Business Administration’s SBIR program encourages U.S. small businesses to engage in federal research and development (R&D) that has potential for commercialization. Its mission is to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy.

The Small Business Administration’s STTR program funds collaborative efforts between small businesses and research institutions with the goal of transferring technologies and products from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Renewable Energy Research and Development (R&D) was established as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, this program helps stimulate the financing of ground-breaking energy efficiency, renewable energy, and advanced transmission and distribution projects.

WETO encourages the growth of these technologies is by offering competitive Funding Opportunity Announcements for their development and demonstration. WETO supports high-impact projects that can significantly advance its mission to help industry develop more efficient wind-energy technologies that help America lower the cost of wind-energy.

ARPA-E funds short-term, technology-focused, applied renewable energy research and development (R&D) organizations aimed at creating real-world solutions to important problems in energy creation, distribution, and use.

The Office of Indian Energy provides financial assistance, including grants and technical assistance, to federally recognized tribal governments and Alaska Native corporations to develop and deploy renewable energy projects on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT), in collaboration with the Offices of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), today announced 111 entities to receive support in advancing their clean energy technologies, valued at $9.8M. The in-kind commercialization support will be provided by 33 supporting organizations in the form of DOE-funded vouchers.

NYSERDA, partnered with BronxWorks, is now accepting applications for the Climate Justice Fellowship Plus Program. The program will provide wage subsidies for eligible nonprofit organizations to hire individuals for two-year climate justice fellowships. It is expected that fellows will assist with community engagement activities (e.g., plan, policy, or project), support clean energy project development and implementation, facilitate, or build upon partnerships, or engage in other projects related to advancing climate justice and clean energy priorities in the Bronx and Queens.

The Good Jobs Challenge supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs. Good jobs are those that align with the Departments of Labor and Commerce Good Jobs Principles, including in 'Key Technology Areas' such as energy technology and materials science. The Good Jobs Challenge highlights workforce development as key to accelerating local economic growth and rebuilding regional economies so they are more resilient to future challenges, while providing good job opportunities for American workers to achieve economic mobility and security.

Through this funding opportunity, and in working with labor organizations and registered pre-apprenticeship programs across the State, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) seeks to grow a diverse, equitable, and inclusive pipeline of skilled talent for the clean energy labor market. This solicitation will provide funding for projects that address projected workforce needs and prepare pre-apprentices, apprentices, and journey workers for employment in the following clean energy technology areas: Building decarbonization and energy efficiency technologies and practices to support decarbonization; renewable energy generation, interconnection, transmission, distribution, and storage; and electric vehicle charging station installation and repair. 

The New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program is a $10,000,000 pilot grant program to assist New Jersey manufacturers with accessing the equipment they need to become more efficient, productive, and profitable. The pilot program will provide grants for a portion of eligible equipment costs, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000 per manufacturer.

NJ Accelerate seeks to empower accelerators and participating businesses, including those working in clean energy technology. Through NJ Accelerate, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) provides benefits to approved accelerators and program graduate businesses. Accelerators are eligible to receive a 1:1 matching sponsorship up to $25,000 per event capped at $100,000, while entrepreneurs are ensured access to best-in-class programs, support, and the tools to grow their businesses. Upon graduating from an approved accelerator, businesses become eligible for rent support and direct loan support from NJEDA.

The NJ Entrepreneur Support Program is a $5 million program that provides a guarantee of an investor loan advanced for working capital to businesses, including those working in clean energy technology. The provided guarantee from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will cover 80% of a convertible note or bridge loan should the original issuing company be unable to repay.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Offshore Wind Applied Research Administration Grant is designed to support research and innovation in offshore wind technology and infrastructure. It funds projects that focus on environmental impacts, supply chain improvements, and grid integration. The grant program encourages collaboration between academic institutions, research entities, and industry stakeholders. NJEDA may award a single grant of $6.35 million to a non-profit administrator.

The Offshore Wind Tax Credit Program provides tax incentives to companies that invest in developing offshore wind projects or related supply chain facilities in New Jersey. The program encourages businesses to establish or expand their operations in the state, helping to build the necessary infrastructure for offshore wind energy. Eligible companies may receive tax credits based on their capital investments in qualified wind energy facilities.

The Salem County Energy Sales Tax Exemption is a program that exempts certain businesses in Salem County, New Jersey, from paying state sales tax on the purchase of energy and utility services. This exemption applies specifically to manufacturers and large-scale energy users, aiming to reduce operational costs and promote industrial growth in the area. Energy and utility services must be consumed exclusively at the facility in question. By offering this tax relief, the program supports business retention and encourages investment in Salem County, aligning with broader economic development efforts in the region.

The Small Business Bonding Readiness Assistance program helps small businesses improve their ability to qualify for surety bonds, which are often required for public contracts. The program provides free training, mentoring, and financial counseling to help small businesses address barriers to bonding, such as credit issues or lack of financial documentation. By increasing access to surety bonds, the program aims to help small businesses, particularly minority-, women-, and veteran-owned firms, compete for larger contracts and grow their operations.The program partners with the African American Chamber of Commerce and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to assist businesses with their level of preparedness.

The Small Business Fund provides low-cost financing to small businesses to support their growth and expansion. Through this program, eligible small businesses can access loans ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 for uses such as working capital, equipment purchases, or real estate acquisition. The program offers competitive interest rates and flexible terms, aiming to help small businesses with limited access to traditional financing. It particularly focuses on supporting businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans, as well as those located in targeted communities. To meet application requirements, businesses must have operated for at least one full year and not-for-profit corporations for at least three full years.

The Small Business Lease Grant offers financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits by covering a portion of their lease payments. Eligible businesses can receive grants of up to 20% of their annual lease costs for two years, with a maximum grant amount of $100,000. The program is designed to support businesses in targeted urban areas and other designated regions, encouraging economic development and the revitalization of commercial spaces. This grant helps reduce the financial burden of leasing, allowing businesses to allocate resources toward growth and operations.

The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Manufacturers Energy Sales Tax Exemption is a program that exempts qualifying manufacturers located in designated UEZs from paying state sales tax on energy and utility services. This exemption applies to electricity and natural gas used directly in the production process, helping manufacturers lower their operating costs. The program is intended to support manufacturing businesses, promote economic growth, and encourage investment in UEZ areas, which are typically underserved communities targeted for revitalization. Exemptions only apply to electricity and natural gas consumed at the UEZ-certified manufacturing locations and cannot be applied to oil or other energy supplies.

The Pay for Performance is an energy efficiency incentive program in New Jersey that provides financial rewards to commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings, with over 50,000 square feet of conditioned space, for implementing comprehensive energy-saving measures. The program offers incentives based on the total energy savings achieved by the project, encouraging participants to adopt holistic upgrades, such as improved insulation, lighting, HVAC systems, and energy management systems. It follows a performance-based approach, where incentives are tied to the actual energy savings after the project is completed, promoting long-term sustainability and reducing operational costs. Eligibility is based on square footage and awardees tend to receive $350,000 on average.

The National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium (NOWRDC) Solicitation 4.0, titled "Innovations in Offshore Wind," is a funding opportunity aimed at advancing technological innovations in the offshore wind industry. This solicitation invites proposals for research and development projects that focus on improving offshore wind energy efficiency, reducing costs, and addressing challenges such as environmental impacts, grid integration, and supply chain improvements. NOWRDC is offering $10.6 million dollars in funding. Topic areas of the research grant include Innovations in Ports and Vessels to Support Floating Offshore Wind Deployment, Floating Offshore Wind Transmission Technology Advancement, and Evaluating Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles for Environmental Monitoring Around Floating Offshore Wind Development Infrastructure.

Funded by the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), New Jersey Clean Energy Loans (NJCELs) is an $80 million co-lending program launched by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) for small businesses seeking to finance clean energy projects. The NJEDA will lend between $250,000 and $10 million for projects requesting a total loan amount of $500,000 to $20 million. The program aims to unlock capital for small businesses and start-ups, enabling minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses to participate in the State’s energy transition.

The U.S National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering grants to help fund conference proposals which create partnerships between industry and academic institutions  towards identifying requirements for curriculum and skill development supporting the next generation of the ocean technical workforce. Proposal topics of high priority include training in ocean instrumentation design, manufacturing and maintenance of marine-related hardware, and ocean data science and data analytics, with an emphasis on the inclusion of researchers, engineers and students from groups that are underrepresented in the marine science, mariner communities, and related fields.