Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience

Preparing contractors to build more resilient communities.

The Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience prepares small and diverse contractors to compete for public and private contracting in the growing climate resilience and clean energy economy.

Group of coworkers sitting on the stairs posing for the camera

THE NEXT EVOLUTION

The next evolution of The Center’s Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience is here. The self-paced, fully online program helps contractors across the country build the strong business foundation needed to grow, compete, and lead in the climate resilience and clean energy economy.

GET READY

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Build Your Business Foundation.

Register and we'll match you to the modules and technical assistance that fit your business โ€” based on where you are today, and where you're headed next.

GET SET

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Earn Milestones. Unlock Expert Support.

Complete practical business deliverables at each stage to unlock the right technical assistance partner for your needs โ€” from capital readiness and lender preparation to expanding your business.

GROW

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Connect to Capital and Contract Opportunities.

As you progress, unlock connections to lenders, utility programs, and contracting partners matched to your stage of growth.

WHO SHOULD APPLY:

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U.S.-based small businesses in the construction trades and/or businesses that advise/support the construction trades
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Interested in growing through climate resilience, clean energy, or public procurement opportunities
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Ready to invest in business infrastructure (licensing, bonding, estimating, capital access)
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Capacity to engage with digital learning (self-paced modules) and live virtual sessions

KEY DATES:

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Registration Opens

August 7, 2026
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Registration Closes

November 10, 2026
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Program Closes

December 31, 2026
No cost to participate.

Registration is Now Open

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Sessions Date Location
Session 1 September 15, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 2 September 17, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 3 September 29, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 4 October 1, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 5 October 13, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 6 October 27, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 7 October 27, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 8 October 29, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 9 November 5, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles

What does the Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience do?

It gets your business ready to win bigger work. The program walks you through the three things that decide whether a small contractor can compete: getting your books and financials lender-ready, learning how to price and bid public and utility contracts, and building the technical skills to deliver climate resilience and clean energy projects. You move through your courses at your own pace, complete your milestone project, and work directly with a business advisor along the way.

Who should register?

Contractors nationwide are welcome. The program is open to U.S.-based small businesses in the construction trades, and to businesses that advise or support the trades, that want to grow through climate resilience, clean energy, or public procurement work.

Do I need prior climate resilience or clean energy experience?

No. The program is designed to help contractors enter these markets, not only those already working in them.

Is there a cost to participate?

No, the program is offered at no cost to participants.

What will I get from the program?

Participants build their business and capital readiness, complete milestones, and unlock technical assistance based on needs and stage of growth. As they progress, participants can also access connections to lenders, utility programs, industry partners, and contracting opportunities.

Do I need an active project or contract to register?

No. When you register, we match you to the modules and technical assistance that fit where your business is today.

How much time does the program take to complete?

Plan to spend approximately 20โ€“30 hours completing the program. Most modules take about 2โ€“3 hours, plus additional time to complete your milestone activities. Because the program is self-paced, you can work through it on a schedule that fits your business.

DO NOT DELETE - [HIDDEN]

Sessions Date Location
Session 1 September 15, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 2 September 17, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 3 September 29, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 4 October 1, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 5 October 13, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 6 October 27, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 7 October 27, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles
Session 8 October 29, 2026 Online โ€“ Zoom
Session 9 November 5, 2026 In-person โ€“ Los Angeles

How long do I have to complete the program?

You work at your own pace, and you have 60 days from registration to finish your courses and milestone project.

Do I have to complete every module?

Yes. You complete every required module in your track and submit your milestone project. The milestone project is what moves you into one-on-one technical assistance, so finishing the modules without it leaves the most valuable part of the program on the table.

Is the program in person?

No. It is fully online and self-paced, with live virtual sessions, and one-on-one technical assistance once your milestone project is approved.

What happens after I register?

After you register, you’ll automatically be enrolled in your courses and receive an email with instructions and next steps to help you get started.

How are participants selected?

There is no competitive selection. Eligible businesses that register are matched to the modules and technical assistance that fit their stage of growth.

Does the program guarantee access to financing or contracts?

No. The program does not provide direct financing, grants, equity investment, or contract awards.

What We’ve Built

Since 2023, the Contractors Accelerator has continuously evolved to meet the needs of small and diverse contractorsโ€”from preparing businesses for public procurement to equipping them to lead climate-resilient rebuilding efforts after California’s devastating wildfires.

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The program began by helping contractors build the business foundation needed to compete for public sector contracts through technical training, business development, and capital connections.
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Recognizing the urgent need for rebuilding after the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, the 2026 cohort was reimagined around climate-resilient rebuilding and disaster recovery.
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Today, the Contractors Accelerator builds on that foundation as a self-paced, fully online program preparing contractors across the country for opportunities in climate resilience and clean energy.
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63

Contractors Graduated
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$21.7M

Contracts Secured
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26

Contractors Supporting Wildfire Recovery

Disaster Recovery Cohort: California

Rebuilding Together: 26 Contractors, One Shared Mission

When the Eaton and Palisades wildfires struck, they left behind more than just devastationโ€”they created an urgent need for skilled, trusted local contractors who could help families rebuild their homes and communities.

The Center’s Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience stepped up to answer that call.

Read the full story โ†’

Rebuilding Together: 26 Contractors, One Shared Mission Group Photo

IMPACT TO DATE

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26 local, BIPOC- and women-owned contracting businesses graduated.
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Builders are actively working on 20 projects valued at $7M.
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Contractors are collectively working on 5 home rebuilds in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
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More projects coming as homeowners begin rebuilding.
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LA REBUILD HUB

Resource hub for Altadena and Pacific Palisades homeowners and contractors navigating the rebuild process. Visit the hub โ†’

Would you like to join our Vetted Builder Network? Complete our interest form โ†’

Meet the Builders

Graduates of our California disaster recovery cohort who are putting their training into action to rebuild communities.

Headshot: Brenda Sanchez, Principal, B.A.S. Construction Company

Brenda Sanchez,

Principal, B.A.S.
Construction Company

โ€œSupporting homeowners after the wildfires means helping people regain a sense of stability during a really difficult time. The accelerator gave me tools to approach rebuild projects with more confidence and a stronger ability to guide clients through the process.โ€

Headshot: Endy Segura, Founder, Energen Electric

Endy Segura,

Founder, Energen Electric

โ€œThis program gave us tools to be more prepared, more informed, and ultimately deliver a better product. Itโ€™s about being ready both financially and professionally to serve homeowners the right way.โ€

Headshot: Chris Bridgeford, Founder, Integrity Custom Built

Chris Bridgeford,

Founder, Integrity Custom Built

โ€œOne thing this program reinforced is how important trust is. Many of these homeowners have lost everything, sometimes homes that have been in their families for generations. Being able to guide them through rebuilding with empathy and clarity is critical.โ€

PROGRAM FUNDERS

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Comerica Logo in blue text with three stripped rainbow in shades of blue above

 

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SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS

Interested in supporting this work? Contact our Program Manager to learn how you can get involved.

Contact Alli Paillant: [email protected]

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