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Contractor Development in the Pacific Northwest
We are proud to offer the following services to contractors in the Pacific Northwest:
Emerald Cities Collaborative seeks to build capacity with Minority, Woman, Disadvantaged, and veteran-owned contractors (MWDVBEs) for a diverse, highly skilled, and qualified local high-road contracting business pool that positions them for growth via clean energy and sustainable building projects.
Emerald Cities Collaborative offers various support services to diverse contractors seeking to grow their businesses and those interested in clean energy projects. Services include our flagship programs, E-Contractor Academy and E-Contractor Network.
Tuesdays
October 22 – November 19, 2024
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Mi Centro
1208 S 10th St
Tacoma, WA 98405
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Attend our virtual information sessions to learn more about our program and ask questions.
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
aBOUT THE E-CONTRACTOR ACADEMY
E-Contractor Academy is typically a 4-6 week, no-cost workshop-based program that enhances technical, financial, and operational skills to help meet the demand for decarbonization in the built environment. Participants receive training and business support and develop industry relationships while connecting to project opportunities in Washington.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Our programming is open to all contractors. However, priority will be given to firms with the following characteristics:
- Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises doing business in Washington State
- Contractors in or interested in the Clean Energy Trades such as Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Refrigeration, Weatherization, Retrofitting, and Healthy Homes
- Established Businesses
- Owners seeking to grow their business
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The E-Contractor Academy provides MWDVBEs with a comprehensive long-term training program, individualized business consulting, and connection to clean energy business opportunities to enable rapid and profitable growth.
Program benefits include:
- Expert-Led Training: Gain insights from industry professionals on green construction practices and innovations.
- Business Coaching: Receive personalized coaching and mentoring to enhance and expand your business.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow diverse entrepreneurs to share experiences and foster collaborations.
- FREE of charge
ACADEMY OVERVIEW
The Program is unique because of the active matchmaking done to increase growth in residential, commercial or government projects. We work with energy efficiency programs and select groups of general and prime contractors that demonstrate a commitment to fostering the growth of MWDVBE firms. This select group provide access and connections to public and private clean energy projects for our members.
E-Contractor Academy
4-6 weeknights of sessions that include instruction about subcontracting and sustainable practices by contracting and business leaders.
Business Consulting
The opportunity to receive up to 2 years of individual consulting services by subject matter experts.
Connection to Clean Energy Projects
Warm introductions to clean energy opportunities on residential, commercial, and public works projects.
ACADEMY lOCATION
E-CONTRACTOR NETWORK
E-Contractor Network Members receive access to training, business support, members-only website with Newsletter with resources and updated information on clean energy trends, policy and incentives. You may become a Network member by being an E-Contractor Academy graduate or applying directly to the program.
Our Network is open to all contractors. However, priority will be given to firms with the following characteristics:
- Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises doing business in Washington State
- Contractors in or interested in the Clean Energy Trades such as Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Refrigeration, Weatherization, Retrofitting, and Healthy Homes
- Established Businesses
- Owners seeking to grow their business
The E-Contractor Network provides MWDVBEs with training, resources, and connections to clean energy business opportunities to enable rapid and profitable growth.
Program benefits include:
- Members-only website and newsletter
- Clean Energy Focused resources and training
- Networking opportunities in clean energy
- Referral to work opportunities
- Opportunities to be highlighted in clean energy events, conferences, and publications
- Access to grant opportunities (when available)
- $0 cost
Are you in our network and want to access your exclusive information and meeting materials? Click the Portal button below!
SUCCESS STORIES
EV Installations Could Be Next Frontier for Growing Minority-Owned Firm
Marcus Cola took part in the Summer 2022 cohort of our E-Contractors Academy. He is co-founder of Apex Electrical Group LLC, which is certified as a Minority, Disadvantaged, and Veteran-owned business with the state of Washington and has been able to win work with the Port of Seattle, Pierce County, and SeaTac airport, to name a few.
As part of their strategic plan, they plan to create a division to focus on electrical vehicle charging stations and have already gained traction by forming a strategic partnership with an industry manufacturer.
Marcus credits the E-Contractor Academy with helping him refine his business pitch and giving him the opportunity to practice it during networking opportunities.
QUESTIONS
E-CONTRACTOR NEWSLETTER
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of upcoming academies!
202-449-9780
admin@emeraldcities.org
www.emeraldcities.org