Springfield, MA – Building on the momentum of last fall’s E-Contractor Academy graduation, Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), and the Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC) are proud to announce a total of $100,500 in direct investments to support 16 emerging Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) across Massachusetts. These strategic investments will help local contractors expand their capacity and adopt sustainable practices in the fast-growing clean energy and decarbonization sector.Emerald Cities Collaborative and Western Mass EDC Award Over $100,000 in Clean Energy Grants to E-Contractor Academy Graduates
The E-Contractor Academy, a statewide initiative launched with support from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, is designed to equip underrepresented contractors with the knowledge and tools needed to grow their businesses and thrive in the green economy. These most recent grants represent a tangible continuation of that commitment—funding both Capacity Boost awards and Sustainability Investments that range from $2,500 to $15,000. These activities run the gamut in business needs, which includes HR software, electric vehicles, insurance needs, training and certification programs for employees, and vital construction and equipment.
Five of the 16 awardees are based in the Greater Springfield area, spotlighting the region's growing footprint in sustainable construction and its potential to lead in this sector:
These investments reflect ECC, PVPC, and EDC’s shared vision: to upskill our contractor base, diversify the clean energy workforce, and give Massachusetts—and Western Mass in particular—a competitive edge in the clean energy economy.
“We are proud to see these businesses grow and take on sustainability-driven work in their communities,” said Xiomara DeLobato, Vice President at the EDC. “These grants are not just a financial investment—they’re a vote of confidence in local talent and an important step toward a more inclusive green economy.”
“This investment in MWBEs represents a commitment to targeted and sustainable growth for our local communities,” said Alexis Washburn, Regional Director of Emerald Cities Northeast. “Emerald Cities Collaborative is thrilled for our graduates and know that this is just one step in their journey towards accelerating the transition towards clean energy solutions. We’ve heard from our previous grantees about how impactful these grants can be for unlocking new opportunities.”
"The E-Contractor Academy was truly transformative for my business” explained Wyliam Garcia, owner of WG Design & Building. “Thanks to what I learned, I've been able to improve my business model and look at my financials with more clarity and strategy and take steps towards growth and stability.”
The program is made possible through funding from MassCEC and represents a vital part of the Commonwealth’s strategy to prepare the workforce for a clean energy future.
The third and final cohort of the E-Contractor Academy will launch on October 22, with applications just opened. Interested contractors are encouraged to visit www.emeraldcities.org/northeastecontractoracademy/ for more information.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Xiomara DeLobato, Vice President & Chief of Staff EDC, x.delobato @westernmassedc.com
Russell Paul, Senior Economic Inclusion Manager, rpaul@emeraldcities.org
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About Emerald Cities Collaborative:
Emerald Cities Collaborative is a national non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable, inclusive economies through community-based approaches that accelerate climate solutions and promote environmental justice.
About Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts:
The Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts (EDC) is a private, not-for-profit organization focused on enhancing economic health and quality of life in Western Massachusetts through collaboration with local businesses, governments, and community organizations.
Xiomara DeLobato Vice President & Chief of Staff EDC
