In the current economic climate, many Cleantech companies are turning to the federal government and applying for funds as a “panacea” to solve their financing needs. Between grant and loan guarantees, almost $150 billion will become available during the next three to 18 months for Cleantech companies across a broad spectrum of technologies. However, the search for debt and non-dilutive equity from the federal government presents a unique set of challenges for companies unfamiliar with the ways of Washington. We are pleased to introduce Harrison Wellford from Wellford Energy Advisors, who has spent 25 years in the alternative energy and political arenas as a presidential advisor, policy analyst and advocate, senior executive of Cleantech companies, entrepreneur, and regulatory and project finance lawyer. Together with the Mary Dent, General Counsel of SVB Financial Group, Tim Mohin, former Head of Sustainability at Apple and Intel and currently EORM, and Keric Chin, government contracts expert from Morrison & Foerster, they will provide practical advice for any Cleantech company considering government funding as well as answers to the following questions:
- Is your Cleantech company a good candidate for government funding?
- What federal government funds are actually available and from what sources (not all funding is Stimulus funding)?
- Should you seek direct grants, loan guarantees, or both?
- What is the timing and approximate costs associated with the application process?
- What equity and debt financing sources/structures must be considered and/or secured prior to application?
- What are the impacts to intellectual property from accepting government grants?
- What are the additional legal issues of which you should be aware of in applying for and accepting government funds?
Speakers will include:
- Susan Mac Cormac, Partner (Corporate), Morrison & Foerster – Moderator
- Keric Chin, Of Counsel (Government Contracts), Morrison & Foerster
- Mary Dent, General Counsel, SVB Financial Group
- Tim Mohin, Principal Consultant, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Team Leader, EORM, Inc.
- Harrison Wellford, Wellford Energy Advisors