Capital Access Program Visits the Rockies

Who says California is the nation’s only clean tech leader? Colorado’s innovation in the wind, solar, smart grid and bio-derived sectors are equally as impressive. Colorado is  home to the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), which has led the research, development, commercialization and deployment of national renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies for over 30 years. For this reason, Green For All, in partnership with the University of Phoenix, hosted a free, day-long Business Academy focused on providing Denver-area clean energy entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and networking opportunities they need to scale their operations and create jobs. CEOs, capital providers, government officials, lenders, policymakers, public and private buyers, and other business support agencies all shared their insights on green business within their community. The Academy gave a realistic overview of the opportunities that exist within Denver’s green business ecosystem, and to identified the policies, programs, capital providers, and potential partners that together will support the growth of this industry.

Panelists at the event included representatives from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as well as a diverse group of government officials. Carol Tombari, Manager of Stakeholder Relations at NREL, provided an overview of electricity supply, demand, generation and reliability for attendees. Using the concept of reliability as a guide, Ms. Tombari outlined an inspiring and sustainable future for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green business in the United States.

Guests also included Stephen Miller, President and CEO of CleanLaunch, who provided an overview of clean tech incubator programs and business support for clean tech start ups. Panelists, Staff, and Attendees mingled at the Element Hotel, the area’s first green hotel. Hotel Staff offered tours of the hotel’s numerous sustainable features.