Join us in this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, as host Mark McNees sits down with Doug Coward, founder of the Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF). Discover the story of how Doug’s frustration with the bureaucratic hurdles in energy projects led him to create SELF, an innovative entity aimed at making clean energy accessible to working-class families. Doug shares their journey from a pilot project in St. Lucie County to expanding across 17 states and the District of Columbia. Learn about SELF's unique underwriting methodology, its impact on low and moderate-income communities, and the distinction between SELF as a not-for-profit organization and traditional for-profit banks. Doug also discusses the challenges and solutions in advancing clean energy and resilience, navigating policy changes, and the future of sustainable financing. Don’t miss this insightful conversation full of inspiration and real-world solutions.

00:00 Introduction to the Innovation Mindset Podcast

00:06 Meet Doug Coward: Founder of Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF)

00:50 The Journey from Environmental Planning to Clean Energy Advocacy

01:55 The Birth of SELF: Overcoming Energy Monopolies

03:43 Scaling Up: From Local Pilot to National Impact

04:43 Understanding SELF vs. Traditional Banks

05:50 Challenges and Successes in Clean Energy Financing

08:22 Navigating Political Changes and Their Impact on SELF

12:18 The Importance of Sustainable Building Improvements

21:31 The Role of PACE in Green Financing

35:52 Future of Clean Energy and Resilience

41:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections

43:45 Closing Remarks