cleanConnect Start-up Program
What is the cleanConnect Program?
In order to successfully manage through the economic downturn, CTSI has launched a program dedicated to helping clean technology start-ups. The program will aid small companies in the areas that are essential for surviving and growing – partnership building, policy advocacy, resources & information, and financial support. In-kind (no cost membership) is available to all qualified companies.What companies qualify for the cleanConnect program?
CTSI is offering in-kind (no cost) memberships. Phase I of the cleanConnect program is open to companies that meet the following criteria:- Clean technology development and implementation companies* focused on energy-related technologies (note this intended to be a broad definition and includes renewable energies, energy efficiency, load/demand management, traditional energy efficiency and environmental improvements, nuclear, transportation, carbon management, etc.)
- Revenue under $15 million in 2008
- Legally incorporated with two or more employees
- For-profit organization
Not an energy-related clean technology company, but meet the other criteria? Or is your firm a service provider? See FAQs.
How do I Join CTSI through the cleanConnect Program?
Our membership registration form is now available - Join Today!.cleanConnect Program Benefits:
The program benefits are intended to maximize visibility, resource sharing, and provide growth opportunities for our member companies. These include, but are not limited to:- Full public company profile listing on CTSI website
- Executive participation in Washington DC policy tour in March 2009 (no fees, but limited to 80 US-based representatives), including private Capital Hill reception.
- Executive participation at CEO Roundtable and networking session at CTSI’s Clean Technology annual event.
- Company venture or innovative commercial company presentation at CTSI’s Clean Technology annual event. - Discounted registration to event is required
- Involvement on CTSI industry action committees. Current committees being formed include: policy, finance/funding, and small business growth.
- Access to network of clean technology community resources, government funding opportunities and partners
- 25% discount to CTSI conferences and workshops, and negotiated discounts to CTSI sponsored events as applicable.
What is an In-kind Membership?
We know that monetary resources are limited for start-ups, especially in these tough economic times. Instead of financial contributions, we are asking that our cleanConnect members contribute to the building of the CTSI clean technology community. Participation can take many shapes and forms – we just ask our members to commit to an action that will benefit the community. This may include involvement on an industry action committee, attendance at a conference or on the policy tour, passing along resources to other members, sending in articles or write-ups – the sky is the limit!Why is the cleanConnect program needed?
Clean technology has been on a high-growth trajectory. Hundreds of companies have been launched and thousands of new technologies developed. While the fundamentals underlying the market demand for clean technology are sound, the short-term economic realities must be acknowledged and addressed.Tight credit, closed public markets, low energy prices and economic recession have decreased the urgency that has been propelling the cleantech sector forward. The next few years will be difficult – valuable employees will be let go, good companies will fail and promising technology will be shelved. But that is not our future.
Whether it takes one year or three, the public markets will come back, credit will become available, and companies will begin thriving again. By joining forces and working together as a community, clean technology companies will be well positioned to take advantage of the comeback. By building a strong resource network, sharing our collective knowledge, and unifying our political voices, we will continue to drive innovation in energy and environmental technologies forward.