Vermont is leading the nation with aggressive energy goals—like requiring utilities to use only clean energy by 2035. But transitioning to a clean energy future isn’t simple.
New technologies are costly and complex, and startups need support to bring their innovations to market. At the same time, energy professionals working on the ground—weatherization contractors, electricians, and renewable energy installers—need business skills and workforce support to meet growing demand. Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) bridges both gaps.
Between 2006-2015, VSJF led early-stage efforts to promote clean energy technologies—from launching the Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont to managing the Vermont Bioenergy Initiative.
Through the DeltaClimeVT Energy Business Accelerator, we help startups launch and scale climate innovations. And through Tools of the Trade, we coach energy contractors to meet rising demand for clean energy services across Vermont.
Celebrate innovation with us! Each cohort concludes with a reception, a $25,000 award, and pilot project announcements from Vermont utilities.
Seven Vermont energy professionals graduated in June 2025 after 18 months of coaching. These entrepreneurs are now better equipped to grow, lead, and deliver weatherization and energy services installation across the state.
As a member of the Energy Action Network, we encourage participation in their annual Summit.
Learn more about VSJF Business Coaching
Our business management coaching services help energy professionals in Vermont work on their business—not just in it—so they can grow sustainably and lead effectively.
Learn more about Tools of the Trade
Tools of the Trade is a business coaching program designed to help Vermont’s energy professionals—weatherization contractors, electricians, builders, and energy auditors—strengthen their operations and leadership skills.
Participants learn a proven framework for building resilient businesses, recruiting and retaining skilled workers, and meeting the rising demand for renewable energy and efficiency services. The program equips them to thrive in a changing climate economy and deliver high-quality services across the state.
Visit the DeltaClimeVT website for more information.
Accelerating Clean Energy Growth
DeltaClimeVT Energy Business Accelerator is VSJF’s unique accelerator for startup and seed-stage companies developing climate economy innovations. Each year, we invite a cohort of eight companies to Vermont for a rigorous, four-month experience designed to help them refine their business models, connect with mentors, and prepare for investment and growth.
The program is built around the ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum, which helps participants craft a compelling case for their business and articulate a clear path to success. Entrepreneurs work closely with Vermont utilities, energy companies, and business professionals to explore real-world applications for their technologies.
Learn more at the Energy Action Network website.
As a founding member of the Energy Action Network, VSJF continues to play a vital role in shaping Vermont’s clean energy future.
Vermont is committed to cutting emissions—but challenges remain. As of 2023, the state had the second-highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in New England, driven by its rural nature and cold climate. The biggest contributors? Transportation and heating, which still rely heavily on gasoline, propane, and natural gas.
Electrification is key to decarbonizing these sectors—and Vermont’s electric utilities are central to that transition. With ~90% of electricity already renewable, continued innovation and investment are essential.
We have positioned Vermont as the place where companies with cutting edge solutions come to learn, connect with utilities, and pilot their products. As a result, Vermont is seen as a leader in the energy technology sector and sets an example for other states. Some cohort companies have even gone on to be acquired by major energy companies where they can implement their products at scale, making an impact nationwide.
In 2026, the DeltaClimeVT business accelerator expanded beyond its accelerator to support larger, longer-term pilot projects in partnership with Vermont utilities. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration, through Congressionally Directed Support from Senator Peter Welch’s office, we launched 4 new pilots to test emerging technologies and business models at scale.
These low-risk, real-world pilots allow early-stage companies to validate performance while utilities gain hands-on experience with innovative solutions—paving the way for broader adoption.
