[vervez]

The way I've seen startups make it work is to save part of the indirect for the worst-case scenario of no bridge funding for the 3-6 month period. If you are able to get into an accelerator that takes a small cut and aligns with your area, the amount of indirect saved (.4*250k) available could be sufficient to bridge a low-cost org for 3-6 months. Even then, it's still a gamble as to whether you'll receive the Phase II in that time.

As for timeline, you're able to apply for the Phase II to kick in right as the Phase I is ending. I've seen that work but it requires planning and long hours to perform research and write the next phase proposal. There's also direct to Phase II for ~$2m in one grant.

If you have outside responsibilities and don't want to risk that bridge, you could try and submit the direct to Phase II, which would also help develop your idea to pitch to VCs in clean-tech space.