How to Get Stimulus Dollars

The first step in the $100 billion dollar stimulus voyage begins with paperwork.

One of the first things companies need to do is understand the nuances of the program. Overall, the energy portion of the ARRA consists of $34 billion in stimulus spending, $44 billion in loan guarantees and $12 billion or so in direct government purchases of things like electric vehicles or equipment for the USDA. (Estimates on the size of the portion of the $787 billion ARRA that will help green industries vary.) The loan guarantees require 20 percent matching funds from recipients while grants require 50 percent matching funds.

Applicants in most instances also have to prove they are shovel ready, noted Jim Fulton, who manages Cooley's cleantech practice.