BOSTON – September 17, 2014 – Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton announced $305,000 in grant awards to assist four Massachusetts small business incubators to grow the next generation of clean energy businesses. MassCEC’s funding will leverage an
additional $230,000 in matching funds. The grants, funded as part of MassCEC’s IncubateMass program, will help to fund the day-to-day operations of these incubators, which provide early-stage clean energy companies with affordable office space, targeted business support services and resources.
“By assisting the facilities that house and nurture budding clean energy companies, we can help ensure that the clean energy sector in Massachusetts continues to grow for years to come,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Maeve Vallely Bartlett, who chairs MassCEC’s Board of Directors. “Clean energy startups are showing up across the Commonwealth and this funding will ensure they have access to the space, mentoring and support they need to thrive.”
The program receiving the largest chunk of the funding is Somerville’s own Greentown Labs, one of the largest cleantech incubators in the county. Hosting 46 cleanteach organizations with about 170 employees, Greentown Labs is one of the largest cleantech incubators in the country and will receive $110,000, over one-third of the $305,000 total given out by the CEC.
State Representative Denise Provost (D-Somerville) said, “Massachusetts continues to be a leader in addressing climate change head-on and developing the sustainable energy technologies of the future. I’m delighted – but not surprised – that Somerville is again at the center of innovation and discovery.”
“When we support incubators like Greentown Labs, we’re investing in 21st century industries that are the foundation of the new global economy and will create local jobs,” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “We’re also investing in the research and development that will help us beat back the threat of climate change. I am grateful that MassCEC has once again demonstrated its commitment to securing the future of both our local economy and our environment.”
From 2012 to 2013, clean energy jobs rose by 11.8 percent. There are 5,550 clean energy companies in Massachusetts that employ 80,000 workers. More than 70 percent of the state’s clean energy companies are small businesses, employing 10 or fewer workers according to the 2013 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report produced by BW Research.
About MassCEC
Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.