Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), a national non-profit organization working to advance the expansion of environmental sustainability through local development projects, while also ensuring equity and inclusion, recently launched its nine-week contractor academy in Boston. The Emerald Cities-Boston Contractor Academy bridges the goal of promoting sustainability with cultivating business connections for contracting firms owned by people of color and women.
The free online course covers a wide range of topics, from exploring growth strategies in existing and emerging markets to applicable information that will assist in preparing and winning bids. According to Darryl Wright, who serves as director of the Boston chapter, “Ultimately, we want to send the message to contractors that they don’t have to go it alone. Our program fosters mentorship with established and successful firms in the industry who have the experience to offer guidance on creative ways to grow.”
At the conclusion of nine weeks in the academy, follow-up and advocacy remain a key element of support offered through the program to ensure contractors get connected to work. Of the contractors who have gone through the program, more than half are connected to viable construction project opportunities. ECC’s partnership with local organizations and leading electrical subcontractors, such as Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc., bolster those efforts by offering a pipeline of opportunity and potential to establish long-term successful relationships.
For more information visit emeraldcities.org.
