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In this Issue:
WET Member Highlight | In the News | Team Member Highlight | Funding & Other Opportunities |
Upcoming Events & Webinars | Did You Know?
Receive a $20 Amazon gift card upon completion of this
Cal-OP ACE Program Buyer Survey & be automatically entered into a raffle to
win an additional $250 Amazon gift card. This survey was generated by the California Energy Commission and is open to California Organizations.
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| Lead Story: Forbes Article Features WET Member WaterBit |
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The famed Forbes magazine recently featured an article on WaterBit, one of our very own WET Center residents. The Science section of Forbes detailed WaterBit’s successes to its six million+ readers.
The media giant emphasized WaterBit’s innovative irrigation system, the company’s evolution, and its current progress in saving water and greenhouse gas emissions. Forbes noted that WaterBit’s system has been implemented on over 200,000 acres of land so far.
The author of the article, Jeff Kart, even tweeted out a link to his 3,000+ Twitter followers. Congratulations to WaterBit on this important recognition of their efforts. You can read the entire article at Forbes’ official website.
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| WET Member Highlight: Aguanaut |
Our June WET Member highlight, Aguanaut, is a water supply and desalination company.
Aguanaut has a number of facilities dedicated to serving customers and improving their water quality.
The company’s foundation was inspired by water shortages and pressing groundwater issues.
They are dedicated to reducing the risk of future water shortages for farmers, communities,
and industry.
After its start in 2018, Aguanaut joined Valley Ventures and the BlueTechValley to broaden
its ability to serve its clients. Peter Moritzburke, founder of Aguanaut, cites how instrumental
BlueTechValley was in providing valuable connections and resources for the company. To round out its knowledge of the business world, Aguanaut staff took part in the BTV CEO Crash Course.
Currently, Aguanaut is making plans for more projects and water solutions in the Central Valley.
Moritzburke said, “I highly recommend that startups working in the Ag sector look into [BlueTechValley].
As with all business affiliations, you get about as much out as you put into the relationships so
starting sooner than later is best.”
You can learn more about Aguanaut at its website.
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| In the News |
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CEO Crash Course applications are now being accepted!
BlueTechValley and CleanStart are now accepting applications for unique business workshops happening this summer. The CEO Crash Course is a multi-day business
development boot camp being offered at both Fresno State and at the
University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA.
The CEO Crash Course will concentrate on CEO fundamentals such as pitching, business legalities, marketing, leadership, team building, and more! By participating, your venture
will receive individualized mentoring and publicity for your venture. A multitude of
BlueTechValley ventures credit the CEO Crash Course for providing them the
necessary tools to succeed in business.
Ventures selected to participate in this year's CEO Crash Courses at Fresno State
or at the University of the Pacific will not need to pay for the program as they will be
sponsored by the California Energy Commission (CEC), the Economic Development
Administration (EDA), and Wells Fargo.
Registration for the Stockton workshop(August 16, 23 & September 6)
Registration for the Fresno workshop(September 24-25)
For more information click here!
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RePurpose Energy awarded 1st prize for solar energy efforts
RePurpose Energy has been named the first place winner of the 2019 Rudd Family
Foundation Big Ideas Contest. RePurpose Energy was chosen for its practical
application and hope of bringing California further toward its goal of 100 percent solar energy. Prizes available in the competition range from $2,000 to $15,000.
You can check out the full list of winners here.
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BTV Client, GreenBlu, wins an SSTI grant
GreenBlu, a BlueTechValley venture, has received a Small Business Technology Transfer (SSTI) grant to support their geothermal energy research. In May, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) allocated $21.6 million in funds to small businesses
with technological innovations. The funding was disbursed among 10 small businesses
for Phase I Innovation Projects.
GreenBlu is based out of Hamilton, New Jersey and has been a virtual client of BlueTechValley since 2018. The funding will assist GreenBlu in reaching its target goal of lowering thermal energy costs and mineral recovery. Congratulations to the team at GreenBlu!
You can read more about GreenBlu here.
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Sierra Business Council 2018 annual report
The Sierra Business Council has released its annual report for 2018, including a space
dedicated to the successes of one of BlueTechValley’s hubs, the Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The report details the SBDC’s commitment to helping
businesses and innovators ready themselves for market as well as its various
accomplishments throughout 2018. The joint efforts of everyone at the SBDC
resulted in the accumulation of a $12.3 million boost in funds for the Sierra Nevada.
Kudos to our hub for doing such stellar work!
You can read the full report here.
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Chico State opens Center for Regenerative Agriculture
One of our BTV hubs, Chico State, has unveiled important news. The university has recently established a new agriculture center that is devoted to increasing
sustainability and addressing water concerns.
Not only will the center promote agricultural networking for students, but it also aims to promote revitalizing climate policy. Ultimately, the center will focus on how to reverse soil loss caused by climate change and encourage their broad network to do the same.
Director of the center, Cindy Daley said, “It’s a new age. We all need to become very conscious of our soil.”
To learn more, click here.
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2019 Big Bang! Business Competition results are in
The winners of this year’s Big Bang! Competition have been announced.
The first place winner and recipient of the $20,000 grand prize is a Mountain View-based
company called Respira Labs. The company developed a device that uses
artificial intelligence and sensory technology to manage aggressive symptoms of
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Another big winner, BioMilitus, captured six different awards totaling $22,000
including the Central Valley Innovation Award and the People’s Choice Award.
Read about all the winners here.
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Breaking down barriers to capital access
The path to running a successful business can be incredibly daunting, especially at the
seed stage. An article published by the Kauffman Foundation, and authored by their
vice president, Victor Hwang, detailed the necessary steps venture capitalists
need to take in order to make success for entrepreneurs attainable.
Over 83 percent of entrepreneurs are neither granted nor even attempt to access business loans.
The article discusses the obstacles that startup CEOs often endure in launching their
businesses without financial assistance from banks. The Kauffman Foundation is launching
a new project called the Capital Access Lab to support capital entrepreneurs.
The project will help provide funding to disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
Hwang said “All of this translates to a healthier, more accessible economic environment
that results in more growth, creation of new and sustainable jobs, and solutions for consumers.”
Learn more here.
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Groundwater Sustainability Agencies still unsure over monitoring
Greater Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency is currently drafting a Groundwater
Sustainability Plan (GSP) in order to comply with California’s Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act (SGMA). General Manager of the agency, Eric Osterling, stated that the plan
involves reinstating significant acreage into the aquifer. As a result of this, the GSA is able to
offer farmers cost-deducted surface water.
While there are a number of variables still obstructing the measurement of groundwater, cutting-edge technology is helping Greater Kaweah collect their own data and
improve groundwater monitoring.
Learn more about Greater Kaweah’s 2020 plan here. |
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| Team Member Highlight: Brittany Benesi |
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Meet Brittany Benesi from the Sierra Business Council (SBC). Benesi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, with a specialization in Education and Communications as well as a minor in Psychology.
Benesi works as a Communications Director for the SBC and thus manages outreach and correspondence between them and BlueTechValley.
When prompted, Benesi stated that developing a rapport with audiences is often challenging, but the most rewarding part of her job. “...[S]eeing that connection made... is incredibly satisfying and offers me a lot of hope for the future.“
In her free time, Benesi enjoys hiking with her dog. You can learn more about her efforts within the SBC by visiting their website. |
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Funding & Other Opportunities
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Green Infrastructure Program- $50K-$1 million
Deadline: June 28, 2019 at 5 pm
A potential million dollar funding opportunity is available for applicants who submit a proposal to the
Green Infrastructure Program. Applicants must draft a proposal that will assist communities in
recovering from hardships caused by climate change. In addition, the communities targeted must be disadvantaged and 15 percent of the funds must be specifically allocated to a project directly serving disadvantaged communities (DACs). Administrators of this grant will be looking for proposals
that have an emphasis in water conservation. Learn more here.
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DOD SBIR/STTR Summer 2019 Grant Opportunities - $100,000
Deadline: July 1, 2019
Applications are now open for this Small Business Technology Transfer (SSTR) award granted through the Department of Defense (DOD). Interested parties must submit a proposal surrounding cleantech and similar topics. This opportunity is a Phase I grant; eligible applicants will have the opportunity to move forward into secondary and tertiary phases for the chance to win $100,000,000 in funding. Click here to learn more.
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Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program
Deadline: July 15, 2019
California Climate Investments is distributing a grant for their Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program in an effort to achieve agricultural sustainability and protect California land. This funding opportunity will be awarded to the proposal that will effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions while assisting communities in California. Following the pre-proposal deadline, applications will be due September 13, 2019. Learn more about this opportunity here.
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| Upcoming Events and Webinars |
Trinity River watershed program and tour
June 28, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
The Association of California Water Agencies hosting a new, fun event in the form
of a water-rafting tour! Attendees will take a tour of the Trinity River in Douglas City,
California and participate in a program on watershed management following the water-rafting.
Anyone who books their stay through Indian Creek Lodge and mentions the ACWA Region 1 event will receive a discounted rate. Deadline to RSVP is June 24.
Click here for more information.
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It’s Law- Mandatory Retirement Savings Webinar
July 10, 2019 12:00 pm
The Sierra Small Business Development Center will be hosting a webinar on
July 10, 2019 on how best to manage your business retirement savings. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to register for this webinar and learn how best to ensure a retirement fund
for their employees without enduring a lofty cost. This webinar will feature
Jonathan Herrera, Outreach and Marketing Manager of the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program.
Register here for vital information on how to offer your employees a retirement plan.
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Proper ADA Compliance for Businesses of Any Size
July 19, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
BlueTechValley, in partnership with the UC Berkeley New Business Practicum, will be
hosting a free legal webinar via zoom on July 19 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Berkeley Law's interdisciplinary transnational law clinical program, in which JD and MBA students assist startup entrepreneurs, will be putting on this event and invite
all startups to join us. This webinar will focus on how businesses at any stage can
operate well within the parameters of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Join BlueTechValley and Berkeley Law by registering here.
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Net Zero 2019 Conference & Expo – Save the date
October 2, 2019
The world's largest annual net zero building conference will be underway this Fall! Network with industry professionals and hear from verified professionals at this Los Angeles-based conference. Attendees will get the opportunity to learn and discuss the intricacies of net zero energy, water, waste, and more.
A multitude of discounted tickets are available, including a pool of free tickets available for need-based parties. Email hello@verdicalevents.com to learn how to obtain your free or discounted tickets!
Register here.
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Central Valley Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum
October 23, 2019
Are you a startup looking to build your professional network and gain investments? Participating in the 2019 Central Valley Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum
can make it happen! At the Forum, you will have opportunities to network with investors, venture capitalists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and more!
You can actively participate in the event in two unique ways. First by being part of the pitch showcase competition and second by exhibiting at the stock exchange. A select group of ventures will compete for the Judges Choice Award by pitching to a panel of judges.
A group of promising startup ventures will have the chance to vie for the attendees' Bulldog Investment Dollars and will be recognized as the Audience Choice.
Apply to pitch and exhibit here!
Apply only to exhibit here!
Don't miss out on one of the most unique and interactive events in the Central Valley taking place in Clovis, California on October 23, 2019!
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| Did You Know? |
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Did you know BlueTechValley serves 39 of California’s 58 counties covering two-thirds of the state? You can visit our website to learn more about our hub services. http://bluetechvalley.org/hubs/
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Stay in the BlueTechValley loop by following us on Twitter (@BTVCluster) or contact us by email at bluetechvalley@csufresno.edu
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