DURHAM, N.H. - The deadline for the next round of funding proposals for the Green Launching Pad is Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, with the emphasis in this funding round on green manufacturing.

"Revitalizing manufacturing in the state and the region is vital to economic prosperity. Our green manufacturing focus will help address economic and environmental concerns simultaneously through job creation and help stimulate the manufacturing sector through use of environmentally friendly materials, and a reduction in energy use in the manufacturing process and in unwanted by-products and waste. We hope New Hampshire entrepreneurs and businesses will take advantage of this competitive funding process to help our local economy grow and stay competitive," said Venky Venkatachalam, co-project director of the Green Launching Pad and a University of New Hampshire professor of decision sciences.

The Green Launching Pad funds opportunities for entrepreneurs with new green business ideas in the areas such as clean and renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy conservation, and emission reduction. The next round of funding will support businesses that help the state achieve the objectives of the ARRA-State Energy Program and N.H. Climate Action Plan, with an emphasis on green manufacturing while creating new jobs and contributing positively to the state's economy.

Entrepreneurial teams will receive up to $90,000 each in funding and accelerated business development assistance. Support will take the form of mentorship and coaching from technology, engineering, services industry professionals, and seasoned entrepreneurs. Also available will be legal and management advice, networking with funders and supporting businesses, and critical operating support.

Since its inauguration in February 2010, Green Launching Pad has funded 11 New Hampshire companies on a competitive basis to commercialize their green products/services.

The application process begins with the submission of a five-page proposal, which is due Dec. 12, 2011. Proposals will be accepted from individuals as well as teams. Final selection of winning teams will be announced by January 2012.

Information about the program, including detailed information about proposals, is available at www.greenlaunchingpad.org. All submissions should be sent to glp.info@unh.edu.

Founded in 2010, the Green Launching Pad is a strategic partnership of the University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The organization connects entrepreneurs and private industry with technical, scientific and business faculty, students and state-level resources to successfully launch and accelerate the growth of new green businesses. The Green Launching Pad is focused on creating new energy-related jobs in the Granite State and broadening economic opportunities.   

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,200 undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students.

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