SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Entrepreneurial and Business Collaborative (E&BC) received four grants on Tuesday to aid local minority and women-owned businesses that have demonstrated progress in clean energy workforce development. The E&BC was awarded $315,000 by the Healey-Driscoll administration to allocate to businesses that are climate-conscious and community-oriented. Founder and CEO of E&BC Ron Molina-Brantley expressed his gratitude towards this partnership and said that aiding these businesses will make a positive impact in the state. Police exam open houses to be held in January by Springfield police department “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration in selecting us as grant recipients," Molina-Brantley said. "This important work will drive research and planning efforts to help guide workforce development in clean energy. Collaborating with local organizations and entrepreneurs is part of our mission. We look forward to the future impact these grants will make on communities, climate change, reducing pollution, and job creation in Massachusetts.” The four grants were distributed as follows: $100,000 grant – To create a comprehensive program report to serve as a critical roadmap, delineating clear pathways for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) to access capital within the clean energy sector. $35,000 grant - To draft a plan to launch the Clean Start for Equal Energy Program, which guides MWBEs from concept to tangible reality of product development. $150,000 grant – A grant in partnership with former E&BC Consolidated Accelerator Program participant and now MWBE grantee, Grounded Services, LLC. E&BC will focus on program design and adding the capacity needed to launch comprehensive training focused on renewable energy systems and modern electrical infrastructures with the goal of addressing the critical shortage of skilled electricians in Massachusetts. The program will target residents of environmental justice communities and combine industry-relevant courses, hands-on field training, and personalized case management. $30,000 grant - Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is currently workingwith E&BC to research employer demand, curriculum design, certification, and hands-ontraining needs to help prepare the workforce for the expanding clean energy sector. Thisgrant plans for the growing demand for EV technicians to service and repair electricvehicles. Both the research and plan are important because Massachusetts is looking atworkforce development as the State accelerates its transition to clean energy and theadoption of electric vehicles. E&BC has been aiding local businesses and supporting their success since 2021. For more information, visit their website here. Local News Headlines Tips to stick with your New Year’s resolution State House Spotlight: The 193rd General Court in review End of year tips to maximize your 2024 tax return 122 bills on the Governor’s desk WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.