A nine-month business coaching program for weatherization contractors, HVAC professionals, high-efficiency homebuilders and other clean energy businesses.
Applications Open Soon for the 2027 cohort!
Applications Due: Jan. 8, 2027
Program Dates: February-October 2027
Running a clean energy business requires more than technical expertise.
Tools of the Trade helps business owners strengthen operations, improve financial performance, build and retain a skilled workforce, and create sustainable growth. Through individualized coaching, peer learning and expert instruction, participants gain practical tools they can immediately apply to their businesses.
Why Apply?
- No-cost participation for selected businesses
- More than $8,000 in coaching and training value
- 15+ hours of individualized coaching
- Continuing education credits available through Efficiency Vermont
- Connections with fellow clean energy business owners
In-Person Sessions
Monthly half-day workshops focused on business fundamentals, with time to work on your business alongside experienced coaches.
Peer Learning
Build relationships with fellow business owners facing similar opportunities and challenges.
One-on-One Coaching
Receive more than 15 hours of individualized coaching tailored to your company’s goals and needs.
Industry Experts
Learn from business advisors and industry professionals with expertise in workforce development, finance, operations and human resources.
What You’ll Learn
Hone your business skills in the areas of:
- Workforce recruitment and retention
- Financial management and cash flow
- Project costing and pricing
- Customer acquisition and sales
- Operational efficiency
- Leadership and company culture
- Workforce planning and human resources
2027 Curriculum
- February 2027: Program Kick-Off; Business Case and Value Proposition
- March 2027: Financial Statements, Revenue Projections, Budgets, Cash Flow
- April 2027: Project Costing, Intended Markets and Customers
- May 2027: Sales & Marketing
- June 2027: Workforce Training Programs, Staffing Plans
- July 2027: Human Resources
- August 2027: Operational Efficiency, KPIs, Project Management
- September 2027: Industry Expert Panel
- October 2027: Putting It All Together
Meet Our Alumni Companies
Since its launch, Tools of the Trade has helped clean energy businesses across Vermont strengthen operations, build leadership capacity, improve workforce practices and prepare for long-term growth.
2026 Cohort Companies:
- Vermont Foam Insulation – Chester
- On the Dot HVAC – Barre
- Gruner Builders – Essex Junction
- Solsaa Building and Energy Solutions LLC – Rutland
- Earthshare Construction – Lebanon, NH
2025 Cohort Companies:
- Black Cat Builders, LLC – Plainfield
- Han Hewn, LLC – Waitsfield
- Lodestone – Pittsfield
- Maheux Heating and Refrigeration, Inc. – Jericho
- Solar Harvester – Hardwick
- VT Exergy, LLC – Bristol
Hear From Program Alumni
Is This Program Right for You?
Ideal Participants
The program is designed for:
- Weatherization contractors
- HVAC professionals
- High-efficiency homebuilders
- Energy efficiency contractors
- Other clean energy businesses
Applicants should:
- Have at least one year of experience operating their current business
- Employ staff or plan to hire within the next 12 months
- Be committed to attending monthly in-person sessions
- Be willing to learn from and contribute to the cohort
Coaching Team
You’ll have access to a team of seasoned business professionals with a range of subject matter expertise, all of whom have owned, led, or managed entrepreneurial companies in Vermont for decades. In addition to interactive in-session presentations, there will be ample time for 1:1 coaching to help you dial in on the specific needs of your business. Coaches bring expertise in financial management, business operations, workforce development, marketing, strategic planning and organizational leadership.
A Shared Commitment
Tools of the Trade 2027 is being offered at no cost to participating businesses thanks to our funding partners.
Each participating company receives a package of services valued at more than $8,000, including:
- Monthly in-person training sessions
- More than 15 hours of individualized business coaching
- Peer learning and networking opportunities
- Access to industry experts and guest speakers
- Continuing education credits available through Efficiency Vermont
In return, participants are expected to commit to the full nine-month program and actively engage in the learning process.
Participant Commitment
Participants are asked to:
-
- Attend and actively participate in monthly in-person sessions
- Dedicate time between sessions to applying new tools and strategies within their business
- Share insights and lessons learned with fellow cohort members
- Remain open to new ideas, feedback and business practices
- Respect the confidentiality of discussions within the cohort
Application Timeline
Applications Open: SOON!
Applications Due: Jan. 8, 2027
Participant Notifications: Jan. 15, 2027
Program Kickoff: Feb. 11, 2027
Program Completion: Oct. 2027
Application Details
Ready to strengthen your business?
Applications will open soon for the 2027 cohort of Tools of the Trade.
Questions?
Kurt Ericksen
kurt@vsjf.org
Funding Partners
Tools of the Trade 3.0 is made possible by funding from the Vermont Public Service Department* with support from the State of Vermont, Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Gas Systems and Burlington Electric Department.
*DISCLAIMER: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the State Energy Program Award Number DE-EE0010104. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Energy or the United States Government.