Contractor Development in the Pacific Northwest
Emerald Cities Collaborative offers a variety of support services to diverse contractors seeking to grow their business and interested in clean energy projects. Services include our flagship program, E-Contractor Academy and E-Contractor Network.
Emerald Cities 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.
E-Contractor Academy
E-Contractor Academy is a 6-week, no-cost workshop-based program that enhances technical, financial and operational skills to help meet the demand of decarbonization in the built environment.
Participants receive training, business support, and develop industry relationships while connecting to project opportunities in Washington. Graduates of the E-Contractor Academy are automatically admitted into the 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.
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
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
EV Installations Could Be Next Frontier for Growing Minority-Owned Firm
Marcus Cola took part in the Summer 2022 cohort of 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 are planning to create a division to focus on electrical vehicle charging stations and have already gained traction by forming a strategic partnership with a manufacturer in the industry.
Marcus credits the E-Contractor Academy with helping him refine his business pitch as well as giving him the opportunity to practice it during networking opportunities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Is your construction business prepared to grow in the green economy? Check back soon for an updated events listing.