DOE Awards $6.3 Million to (BOSS)

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) today awarded a grant totaling approximately $6.3 million to Black Owners of Solar Services (BOSS). The cooperative agreement establishes a regional effort to coordinate and train minority-owned businesses on how to apply for DOE funding and access DOE programs, benefits, services and opportunities.

BOSS is the largest community of experienced African American energy professionals working in the solar photovoltaic space. The partnership will make a monumental contribution to the public, and more specifically, minority owned businesses in the energy sector by reducing barriers to access all areas of the federal government. It will also help foster a collaborative environment to connect entrepreneurs, students and workers in the clean energy space.

“This collaboration will have a critical role in helping to advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s equity and climate goals,” said ED’s Director Shalanda Baker. “We have partnered with an organization that is positioned to help us reach critical players in the industry as we strive to increase the participation of minority business owners as we move toward a clean energy future.”

In support of DOE’s Justice40 Initiative efforts, the agreement with BOSS helps advance our goals by increasing parity in clean energy technology (e.g., solar and storage), stimulating clean energy enterprise creation, along with creating clean energy jobs and training for disadvantaged and underserved communities.

DOE is committed to accelerating pollution reduction and decarbonization efforts, spurring economic growth in underserved areas, and prioritizing equity and inclusion to meet U.S. climate goals. To learn more about the Department’s Justice40 Initiative, minority-owned businesses funding opportunities and more, visit our website.