EGIA to Aid Minority Contractors With Training, Resources

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Electric & Gas Industries Association
EGIA and the EGIA Foundation have launched a new initiative, “Developing a High-Performance Diverse Contractor Workforce.”

The program is designed for select minority-owned contracting businesses that are part of the NorCal chapter the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC). It aims to enhance the long-term success of these businesses by providing training and resources.

This support will enable them to contribute effectively to statewide energy-efficiency and decarbonization efforts, as well as other activities aligned with the federal government’s Justice40 initiative, a press release from EGIA said. Justice40 is the federal government’s goal of having 40% of the benefits of specific federal investments, including some of those in climate, clean energy, and affordable and sustainable housing, go to communities that have been marginalized and overburdened by pollution.

The initiative will harness EGIA’s extensive contractor development resources and NAMC’s nationwide network of minority-owned businesses, EGIA said. The program aims to help these businesses establish sustainable and successful operations, especially in the electrification and home-performance sectors. Participants will gain access to EGIA’s Contractor University, which offers advanced business coaching, industry-leading on-demand and live training, and a workforce development and contractor training curriculum.

“Developing a High-Performance Diverse Contractor Workforce is a strategic extension of our mission to cultivate a skilled, diverse contractor community,” said Bruce Matulich, chairman of the EGIA Foundation and CEO of EGIA. “Our collaboration with NAMC leverages their profound industry connections and EGIA’s training expertise to provide minority contracting business owners the tools and knowledge required to build profitable, sustainable businesses.”

“This partnership with the EGIA Foundation represents a vital progression towards ensuring minority contractors are actively participating in the clean energy transition,” said Mario Wagner, vice president of the NorCal chapter of NAMC. “Together, we’re providing the tools and training necessary for minority business owners to expand and thrive, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the needs of their communities and build their own businesses in the most successful manner possible.”

To learn more about how the EGIA Foundation and NAMC are helping to build a more successful future for the home-services industry, visit EGIAFoundation.org.

To apply for this year’s HVAC HERO scholarship, or to learn more about eligibility and timelines, interested individuals can visit the EGIA Foundation’s student site.