Minority- and Women-Owned Business Support Grants

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) seeks proposals to develop or expand programs providing comprehensive support to Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) entering or growing in the clean energy sector. This funding initiative addresses persistent barriers facing MWBEs, including limited access to capital, selection bias for projects, and reduced personal wealth and social capital compared to other business founders. With the clean energy workforce projected to grow by 38% or more than 38,000 workers by 2030, MWBEs are essential to meeting Massachusetts' climate goals and ensuring an equitable energy transition for environmental justice communities.

Applicants may apply for one or both of two funding strands: Strand A (Training, Certification, and Support Services for Climate-Critical MWBEs) offering up to $1,000,000, and Strand B (Access to Capital for Climate-Critical MWBEs) offering $150,000. This funding is not intended to benefit a single MWBE but rather to support organizations that can help multiple MWBEs grow and excel in climate-critical business sectors. Successful applications must propose projects addressing barriers faced by MWBEs, tackle both supply and demand needs, provide comprehensive wraparound services (including assistance with transportation, childcare, licensing, and certifications), leverage existing support systems, and include robust partnerships.

Eligible Lead Applicants include non-profit organizations (chambers of commerce, trade associations, clean energy incubators/accelerators, environmental justice organizations, tribal organizations), academic institutions with business support programs, and for-profit entities such as clean energy installers, energy efficiency contractors, technical training organizations, and financial institutions. Lead Applicants must maintain a Massachusetts office or staffing and be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Certification of Good Standing required, except for community colleges, vocational-technical high schools, and state universities).

Key timeline: RFP released February 23, 2024; questions accepted rolling through April 5, 2024 with answers posted monthly; Pre-Application Webinar held March 13, 2024 at 3:00 PM; Pre-Application Office Hours available (dates/times specified); proposals due April 26, 2024 by 11:59 PM; applicant interviews conducted April-May 2024 if needed; award notifications May 2024. Complete applications must be submitted via email to rfpworkforce@masscec.com with "MWBE Support Grant Application" in the subject line, including all required attachments (Authorized Applicants Signature and Acceptance Form, Application Form, Budget and Proposed Payment Schedule, and Sample Grant Agreement).