For small businesses with novel energy or science technologies, the Department of Energy (DOE) SBIR/STTR programs offer a powerful opportunity for early-stage federal funding. But the process can be complex—especially for first-time applicants. That’s where the DOE Phase 0 Program comes in.
TL;DR
The DOE Phase 0 Program helps first-time applicants prepare strong SBIR/STTR proposals aligned with DOE topics. Support includes training, proposal review, and commercialization planning. Enrollment is available quarterly, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Many innovators qualify for DOE SBIR/STTR, but few are ready to submit
The Department of Energy runs one of the most competitive and technically rigorous SBIR/STTR programs in the U.S. These non-dilutive grants target cutting-edge innovations in energy, physics, advanced manufacturing, and climate solutions. Yet even highly capable startups struggle to navigate the language, documentation, and alignment required in a DOE funding opportunity announcement (FOA).
That’s why the DOE created its Phase 0 Program—to make the process more accessible to new entrants.
DOE Phase 0 offers guided application support for first-time applicants
The DOE Phase 0 Program is a federally funded technical assistance program aimed at U.S.-based small businesses applying for SBIR or STTR funding from DOE for the first time. Managed by Dawnbreaker, this initiative offers personalized and group support to prepare a responsive, agency-aligned proposal.
Eligible applicants receive:
- One-on-one proposal preparation coaching
- Assistance with registrations (SAM.gov, PAMS, Grants.gov)
- Technical topic matching
- Commercialization planning
- Review of draft proposals
- Team-building resources (e.g., identifying PIs or subcontractors)
The program is designed for first-time SBIR/STTR applicants and focuses exclusively on DOE opportunities.
Build your first DOE proposal with confidence, clarity, and compliance
DOE FOAs are known for being dense and demanding. A misaligned or poorly formatted proposal can lead to disqualification or missed review criteria—even if the technology is strong. Through DOE Phase 0, companies gain access to expert insight and structured preparation at no cost.
With multiple quarterly entry points each year, the program enables founders to sync their preparation with DOE’s release of new SBIR/STTR topics.
Through DOE’s Phase 0 Program, an Ohio-based cleantech startup received hands-on coaching that helped them secure their first $200K SBIR Phase I award. With guided proposal reviews and commercialization support, they navigated DOE’s complex requirements and turned a draft idea into a funded project
Without support, first-time applicants often miss critical steps or timelines
Missing a SAM.gov registration deadline. Choosing the wrong topic. Submitting a narrative without DOE-specific formatting. These are common, fixable mistakes that keep great ideas from being funded. The Phase 0 Program was built specifically to avoid those pitfalls.
Apply now and get coached through every step of the DOE proposal process
To participate, your business must:
- Be U.S.-based and independently owned
- Qualify as a small business (per SBA guidelines)
- Be new to DOE SBIR/STTR programs
- Have a credible concept aligned with current DOE topic areas
The application portal opens quarterly, in sync with DOE’s Funding Opportunity Announcements. You can check the current schedule on the DOE Phase 0 portal or view FOAs directly on science.osti.gov/sbir.
Ready to pursue DOE funding for the first time?
Review the DOE Phase 0 program overview and get started early to align with the next FOA cycle. If you want guidance to integrate Phase 0 into your SBIR strategy or assess DOE fit, schedule a consult call with our team.
EB Howard works with first-time and seasoned SBIR/STTR applicants alike
We know how federal funders think—and we work with founders to meet them there. Programs like DOE Phase 0 are rare in their specificity and depth, offering founders an invaluable opportunity to get it right from the beginning. If you qualify, take advantage of it.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.