Underrepresented Business Support Grants Service

MassCEC is seeking proposals for the Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support grants program to build organizational capacity and expand services that assist Massachusetts-based underrepresented businesses entering and growing in clean energy and decarbonization fields. Grantees must deliver specialized services, such as procurement navigation and general business readiness, using a Hub-and-Spoke service delivery model to help these businesses access contracting opportunities and meet the Commonwealth's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Eligible applicants must be USA-based onshore organizations with sufficient staff capacity to deliver offsite work and participant case management. Applicants must complete their submittals online via the Workforce Development Data Solutions Platform by December 11, 2026, for the first deadline, or April 2, 2027, for the final deadline. Complete applications must include an authorized signature form, a narrative, and a program budget using the required Excel template, alongside relevant letters of commitment or support for subcontracted partners. Total anticipated funding is up to $5,000,000, with indirect cost rates capped at 15% on direct salary and fringe expenses unless a higher federally negotiated rate is approved. Cost sharing is voluntary but encouraged, as higher confirmed levels may be prioritized during proposal evaluation.