Announcements
June 5, 2025 – ECC Northwest
Retirement Announcement
With heartfelt best wishes, the leadership of ECC announces Northwest Regional Director Steve Gelb, effective June 30, 2025. Steve Gelb has supported ECC’s mission for 13 years, beginning in May 2012. His contributions during that time have been integral to ECC’s regional strategy and program development. Congratulations, Steve!
New Appointment
ECC is also excited to announce the appointment of Rosalund “Roz” Jenkins as Northwest Regional Director, effective July 1, 2025. Please join us in welcoming Roz Jenkins to her new role as NW Regional Director!
Read the full announcement here: Northwest Region (Staff Announcement and New Appointment)
Contractor Development in the Pacific Northwest
We are proud to offer the following services to contractors in the Pacific Northwest:
e-contractor
Accessing capital for contractors
Capital is necessary to grow your business. Join us as we embark on an interactive journey towards accessing financing. Bring your financials and your laptops!
Thursdays
May 29 - June 19
Tabor 100
7100 Fort Dent Way, #100, Tukwila, WA 98188
Foundations of Credit May 29th 3-4:30pm
- Discuss importance of good credit when seeking out financing
- Discuss personal credit best practices, how to improve credit score and dispute an error
- How to establish business credit
- Interactive: How to download your own free credit report – Bring your Laptop!
Cash Flow Comparison
June 12th 3-4:30pm
- Discuss importance of good credit when seeking out financing
- Discuss personal credit best practices, how to improve credit score and dispute an error
- How to establish business credit
- Interactive: How to download your own free credit report – Bring your Laptop!
How Lenders Look at Cash Flow
June 5th 3-4:30pm
- Lending terms
- How to calculate cash flow
- What is debt service coverage ratio and what is the minimum financeable ratio?
- Interactive: Calculate your own cash flow ratio – Bring your laptop & financials!
Lenders Panel
June 19th 3-5pm
- Hear directly from lenders about their criteria
- Learn about financing options available
- Opportunity to ask questions of lenders
- Networking with other contractors
- Info tables available with info on energy efficiency incentives and lender info
Funding provided by the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) thanks to a grant made by the Washington State Department of Commerce
OUR UPCOMING COHORT
Are you interested in joining the E-Contractor Program? Discover the benefits and unique opportunities this program offers! For details about the upcoming cohort and how to get involved, please contact Monica Guevara at northwest@emeraldcities.org.
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.
E-CONTRACTOR NEWSLETTER
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of upcoming academies!
202-449-9780
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www.emeraldcities.org