Vermont Energy Professionals Graduate from VSJF's Tools of the Trade Business Coaching Program

The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), in collaboration with Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Gas Systems, announces the graduation of the inaugural cohort of Tools of the Trade– Business Fundamentals for Energy Pros, a business coaching program designed to support weatherization and clean energy contractors across the state.

The program offered participants practical training in business fundamentals tailored to weatherization contractors, energy audit businesses, electrician firms, and builders who specialize in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Monthly in-person sessions, one-on-one coaching, and peer learning helped contractors strengthen skills in workforce recruitment and retention, financial management, operations, customer engagement, and leadership. The program was made possible through funding from the State of Vermont, Efficiency Vermont, and Vermont Gas Systems.

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

The inaugural cohort included seven businesses from across Vermont:
• Black Cat Builders, LLC – Plainfield
• Han Hewn, LLC – Duxbury
• Lode Stone – Pittsfield
• Maheux Heating and Refrigeration Inc. – Jericho
• Solar Harvester – Hardwick
• Solsaa Building and Energy Solutions – Rutland
• VT Exergy LLC – Bristol

“Watching these business owners grow over the course of the program has been incredibly inspiring,” said Kurt Ericksen, Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund’s

Tools of the Trade Program Manager. “They showed up with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a deep commitment to their craft and communities. Their progress is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in workforce and business development as much as investing in technology and infrastructure.”

Graduates are now better equipped to grow their businesses, serve more Vermonters, and contribute to the state’s clean energy goals by helping residents save money, improve home comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Weatherization Contractors: Apply Now for Tools of the Trade 2.0
Weatherization and clean energy contractors are invited to apply for the next cohort of “Tools of the Trade.” Applications for Tools of the Trade 2.0 are due by Sept. 12, 2025. The program will run from Oct. 20, 2025, through June 2026 and includes monthly in-person sessions held in Vermont. The cost is $1,000 per company, a value of $7,000. Funding for this round of coaching is made possible through Efficiency Vermont, Vermont Gas Systems and Burlington Electric Department. Eligible applicants must have at least one year of experience running a weatherization business or three years in the building trades with plans to launch one.

For more information or to apply, visit https://bit.ly/ForVermontEnergyPros.

About The 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 save more than $3.5 billion in lifetime savings and avoid over 14.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions since 2000. Operated by clean energy nonprofit VEIC, Efficiency Vermont has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® program Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence award over 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