Grants

DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)

Updated October 2026 5 min read

Key Facts

Agency
Department of Energy (DOE)
Award Range
Not published by the agency
Deadline
Program ended
Time Remaining
This program has ended: DOE's Small Business Vouchers pilot ended after three rounds.
CFDA Number
81.086
Bottom line: The DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot was funded through the Department of Energy (DOE). A DOE pilot that gave small businesses access to national laboratory expertise and facilities to advance clean energy technologies. The pilot ended after three rounds; DOE now offers lab access through other voucher calls and partnership agreements.

The DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot was a federal funding opportunity administered by the Department of Energy (DOE). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application only if the program is revived.

Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for the DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot, applicants must meet the following criteria:

US-based small businesses working on clean energy technologies. Companies must have fewer than 500 employees and demonstrate a technology in the applied research or development stage.

Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page before beginning your application.

Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Energy programs by who can apply.

How to apply: step by step

  1. This program has ended. It is not taking applications. The official page may explain what replaced it.
  2. Look for alternatives. Use our free Grant Finder to find open programs for your organization type.

For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.

Grant details

Detail Information
Grant Name DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot
Funding Agency Department of Energy (DOE)
CFDA Number 81.086
Award Minimum Not published
Award Maximum Not published
Deadline Program ended
Category Energy
Matching Required Yes, small businesses must contribute at least 20% of the project cost as a cash match
Application Link Official program page

Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.

If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.

Get the free grant eligibility screener worksheet (PDF)

Check your fit for Energy grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot?

US-based small businesses working on clean energy technologies. Companies must have fewer than 500 employees and demonstrate a technology in the applied research or development stage. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.

What is the deadline for DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot?

The current deadline is not applicable, because the program has ended: DOE's Small Business Vouchers pilot ended after three rounds. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.

Does DOE Small Business Vouchers (SBV) Pilot require matching funds?

Yes, small businesses must contribute at least 20% of the project cost as a cash match. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.