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The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), in collaboration with Efficiency Vermont and its Efficiency Excellence Network, is excited to announce that applications are now open for the next cohort of Tools of the Trade – Business Coaching for Energy Pros. This nine-month, in-person business training program is designed to help Vermont weatherization and clean energy contractors strengthen and grow their businesses.

The program begins Oct. 20 and runs through June 2026. Applications are due by Sept. 12, and selected businesses will be notified by Sept. 26.

Participants will learn how to recruit and retain workers, manage finances, improve operations, identify and reach ideal customers, and build a strong company culture. The program includes monthly half-day sessions, one-on-one coaching, peer learning, and access to industry professionals such as employment attorneys and workforce training providers.

“This program was a fantastic jump forward for me as a business owner — I wish it had existed ten years ago,” said David Bailey of Black Cat Builders, who completed the Tools of the Trade program in June.

Program Details:

• Application Period Now Open
• Application deadline: Sept. 12, 2025
• Start date: Oct. 20, 2025
• End date: June 2026
• Cost: $1,000 per company (valued at $7,000)
• Location: In-person sessions held monthly in Vermont (TBD based on participation)
• Eligibility: At least one year of experience running a weatherization business or three years in the building trades with plans to launch a weatherization business
• Continuing education credits: Awarded by Efficiency Vermont

Participants are expected to commit to attending sessions, engaging with peers, and applying new insights to their businesses. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the program.

“This program gave me the confidence to keep growing my business and improve relationships with my employees,” said Eric Solsaa of Solsaa Building and Energy Solutions, who completed the Tools of the Trade program in June.

Tools of the Trade is funded by Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Gas Systems and Burlington Electric Department.

To apply or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/ToTforWeatherizationPros. For questions, contact Kurt Ericksen at kurt @ vsjf.org.

About Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund

The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) provides tailored business management coaching, entrepreneurial support, and training to position Vermont entrepreneurs for growth and long-term success. Tools of the Trade – Business Fundamentals for Energy Pros program is an expansion of its existing business coaching program. Our clients include Vermont-based, value-added food and agricultural, forest-related, renewable energy, waste management, and environmental/clean technology enterprises that are supplying products and services to a diverse marketplace. VSJF recently published the Business Sense series, a no-fluff source of information that gets right to the heart of what small business owners need – essential tools and informational resources to help their businesses grow.

About Efficiency Vermont

As the nation’s first Energy Efficiency Utility, Efficiency Vermont has helped Vermont avoid over 13.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for the last eight consecutive years. Efficiency Vermont works with partners to help our state transition to more affordable, low-carbon energy use through education, incentives, and support for our clean energy workforce. Learn more at www.efficiencyvermont.com.

About The Efficiency Excellence Network

Managed by Efficiency Vermont, the Efficiency Excellence Network hosts members who are a licensed and insured network of independent contractors committed to providing their customers with the highest level of professional energy efficiency services. The network is comprised of experts in the advanced technologies and building science that make buildings more energy efficient and affordable to maintain. They are also trained to understand and consider important health and safety measures that are key to any job.