i6 Green Challenge
Economic Development Administration

Letter of Intent Deadline: May 2, 2011
Complete Application Deadline: May 26, 2011

Purpose:
This FFO announces i6 Green, which focuses on the nexus between economic development and environmental quality, spotlighting the best ideas that contribute to a vibrant, innovative clean economy. EDA solicits competitive applications to encourage and reward innovative, ground-breaking ideas that accelerate technology commercialization and new venture formation across the United States. i6 Green will reward communities that utilize Proof of Concept Centers to accelerate technology-led economic development in pursuit of a clean economy. Applicants must address a persistent problem or an unaddressed opportunity with a sense of urgency and demonstrate how an i6 Green Proof of Concept Center will remove existing road blocks and spark sustainable economic opportunities in the applicant’s region. Applicants will be expected to incorporate a credible plan to access additional resources and demonstrate how the proposed effort will be sustained by a well-qualified team and partners.

Applicants are required to leverage regional strengths, capabilities, and competitive advantages. EDA expects to fund proposals that enable the facilitation and creation of innovative Proof of Concept Centers that in turn will accelerate the launch of new firms, spur job creation, and contribute to economic growth here in the United States. All applications should avoid any duplication of existing efforts or supplanting existing or budgeted efforts. i6 Green funding will reward Proof of Concept centers that bring transformative economic development and job growth to distressed regions.

Awards: Winning recipients should expect to receive awards by September of 2011, subject to the availability of funds.

For additional information: http://www.eda.gov/PDF/i6GreenFFO.pdf