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What Is the Hub? The Hub is not a single program. It is shared economic infrastructure. At its core, the Hub provides coordinated business support and regional programming through a centralized, place-based model designed to help underrepresented businesses participate in and succeed in the clean energy and climate economy. E&BC was selected to serve as the Pioneer Valley Hub. In this role, we are responsible for delivering core services and coordinating support across the region to ensure consistency, alignment, and clear pathways for businesses. Rather than operating in silos, the Hub brings organizations together under a shared framework, so businesses experience support as connected and not fragmented. What does the Hub provide? Through the Hub, businesses can access core services that support readiness, growth, and long-term sustainability, including: Financial planning Operations Management Network Access Business Development Certification and Licensing These services are designed to meet businesses where they are and support them at different stages. This includes preparing for capital, navigating public or private procurement opportunities, and stabilizing and growing after financing. How does the Hub work? The Hub operates using a hub-and-spoke model. E&BC serves as the Hub by providing coordination, shared systems, and core services, while trusted regional and statewide partners, referred to as spokes, deliver specialized or sector-specific support. Spoke roles are formalized through Memorandums of Understanding to ensure clarity, accountability, and effective coordination. As these agreements are finalized, individual spokes and their roles within the Hub will be identified and shared. Currently, there are two designated Hubs in Massachusetts. Additional Hubs are expected to be established over time as the model expands. Why this model matters The Hub model exists to reduce fragmentation, strengthen regional coordination, and increase participation by MWBEs and other underrepresented businesses in climate-critical industries. By building shared infrastructure and aligned support systems, the Hub helps grow regional expertise, expand employment opportunities, and support long-term, climate-smart economic growth.

E&BC was recently selected to serve as the Pioneer Valley Regional Hub by the Mass Clean Energy Center (Mass CEC) and is honored to receive four grants totaling up to $1,195,000.

Aimed at young professionals navigating systemic challenges and uncertainty, Dr. Molina-Brantley emphasizes that true leadership stems from personal awareness and integrity rather than formal titles.

The Entrepreneurial and Business Collaborative (E&BC) received four grants on Tuesday to aid local minority and women-owned businesses that have demonstrated progress in clean energy workforce development.