Four Corners CleanTech Cluster
Four Corners CleanTech Cluster
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About the Program
The Four Corners CleanTech Cluster is part of the SBA's (Small Business Association) nationwide Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) network, an initiative that empowers high-growth small businesses in key industries. Through the RIC network, each cluster creates a regional support system that connects small businesses with resources, mentorship, and specialized networks to drive job creation and innovation.
The FedTech Four Corners CleanTech Cluster supports cleantech companies in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, providing targeted guidance to help them thrive in the competitive clean energy market.
As a regional innovation hub, the Four Corners CleanTech Cluster offers cleantech businesses comprehensive support aimed at turning promising ideas into market-ready solutions. With a focus on collaboration, the program facilitates partnerships with national labs, universities, and industry experts, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for cleantech innovation and economic growth. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this program provides essential tools to accelerate your journey in the cleantech market.
The Four Corners CleanTech Cluster is funded in part through a Contract with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Join the Four Corners RIC Advisory Council
Are you a leader passionate about shaping the future of cleantech innovation in the Four Corners region? The Four Corners RIC Advisory Council is now seeking applicants to guide our growing regional ecosystem. Advisory Council members will connect regularly to share insights, collaborate, and support a sustainable vision for cleantech innovation across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.
To learn more, please complete the form below or reach out to 4c-cleantech@fedtech.io and join us in building a cleaner, greener future!
Program Overview
Small Business Support
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Selected small businesses will be eligible to receive customized services at no cost based on intake assessment, including: IP Assessment, Data Management Analysis, Accounting Compliance, Market Research, Investor Pitch Deck Review
Startup Training Program
Application Deadline: February 21, 2025
As part of the structured startup training program, selected startups will receive at no cost access to foundational training workshops, advanced development workshops, personalized coaching, and ongoing alumni services
Foundational Training Program
March 2025 - May 2025
Participants will engage in interactive workshops and group coaching sessions, covering essential topics such as: Cleantech Market Dynamics, Technology-to-Market Strategies, Sustainable Business Modeling, Cleantech Financial Forecasting, Regulatory Navigation, and Cleantech Customer Discovery.
Advanced Development Program
May 2025 - July 2025
Focused on Cleantech IP Strategy, Regulatory Compliance in Cleantech, Go-to-Market Planning, Cleantech Funding Landscape, Scaling Cleantech Manufacturing, and Building Resilience in Cleantech Startups.
Four Corners CleanTech Cluster Showcase
Late July 2025
A pitch and demo event that will provide startups exposure to investors, potential customers, and partners. This event will feature:
- Live pitches from top-performing startups
- Virtual expo booths for all participants
- Networking sessions with industry leaders and investors
- Panel discussions on key cleantech trends
Ongoing Alumni Support
Starting July 2025
Following completion of the program, alumni will have access to a three-tier, application-based support program, including open advisory and workshops, collaborative support, and consulting services.
A Deeper Dive
FedTech’s Cleantech Cluster offers a comprehensive support system for cleantech startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, providing resources across key areas to ensure your growth and success:
- Commercializing R&D
- Technology-Market Fit: Assess your tech’s commercial potential, identifying the best applications and entry points.
- Pilot Projects: Real-world pilots validate your innovation’s effectiveness in industry settings.
- Scaling Strategy: Develop strategies to scale production, tackling challenges unique to cleantech manufacturing.
- Technology Transfer and Commercialization
- Lab-to-Market Roadmaps: Customized roadmaps guide you from research through commercialization, helping you overcome complex technical and regulatory barriers.
- IP Strategy Development: Secure your innovations with patent management and licensing strategies.
- CRADA Licensing Support: Access Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with federal labs and universities to enhance growth.
- Business Consulting and Growth Strategy
- Market Analysis: Gain a clear understanding of your competition and optimal market positioning.
- Business Model Development: Build scalable models tailored to the demands of cleantech markets.
- Financial Forecasting: Design robust financial plans to attract investment and fuel growth.
- Federal Grant Writing and Funding Navigation
- SBIR/STTR Proposal Development: Expert guidance for securing federal funding.
- SBIR/STTR Proposal Development: Expert guidance for securing federal funding.
- DOE Funding Opportunities: Tap into the Department of Energy's funding landscape to expand resources.
- Grant Management Training: Post-award support ensures compliance and maximizes grant impact.
Additional Support Services
Our network provides mentoring, customer matching, and regulatory navigation to support your venture at every stage. Through one-on-one consultations, workshops, and peer-learning sessions, we help cleantech entrepreneurs like you overcome commercialization hurdles, building sustainable businesses that thrive in today’s competitive market.
Support for Underserved Businesses
FedTech is dedicated to fostering innovation within historically underserved communities. With over 40% of our entrepreneurs from underserved areas, we emphasize building an inclusive regional innovation ecosystem. Aligned with this mission, the Four Corners CleanTech Cluster has established targeted strategies to support underserved entrepreneurs and small, disadvantaged businesses (SDBs). Through tailored mentorship, community partnerships, and accessible resources, we aim to ensure that all cleantech innovators have the opportunity to succeed and grow in the Four Corners region.
