DOE and SBA Launch SBIC-E Initiative to Grow U.S. Energy Innovation

Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to create the Small Business Investment Company-Energy (SBIC-E) Initiative. This program aims to support American small businesses, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and advance technologies vital to national and economic security.

The SBIC-E Initiative combines DOE’s scientific and technical expertise with SBA’s existing Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program, which manages a $58 billion portfolio and has invested $147 billion in American small businesses since 1958. The SBIC Program is credited with creating or supporting 10.6 million jobs since 1995.

Through DOE’s Office of Technology Commercialization, the Department will identify strategic technology priorities, offer technical and commercialization expertise, and foster engagement with the investment community. The SBA will administer the initiative and promote the growth of investment funds aligned with these priorities.

Initial investment areas for the SBIC-E Initiative include American energy production and security, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence technologies. The partnership aims to channel private sector capital to accelerate the growth and scaling of promising energy technologies in the United States.

Officials state the initiative supports efforts to enhance American energy leadership by increasing access to advanced fossil fuel, nuclear, and electric power technologies and infrastructure. The collaboration is intended to strengthen job creation, domestic manufacturing, and reliable energy access for families and small businesses nationwide.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the partnership commits resources to American small businesses contributing to job creation and energy production, while SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized aligning investment with DOE priorities to maintain U.S. leadership in energy technologies.