Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support Grants

The Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support (CUBS) Grants program is administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), a quasi-state economic development agency committed to accelerating clean energy and climate solutions across Massachusetts. MassCEC operates with the goal of fostering job creation, driving down energy costs, and positioning Massachusetts as a global leader in clean energy innovation. The CUBS initiative is a cornerstone of the agency’s Equity Workforce Program, created by landmark Massachusetts climate legislation, and is designed to build infrastructure that supports the equitable growth of underrepresented businesses in climate-critical sectors. CUBS Grants aim to mitigate systemic barriers faced by Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and other underrepresented businesses by delivering targeted support in the clean energy economy. These businesses often encounter obstacles such as limited access to capital, selection bias in contracting, and fewer social or financial resources to launch and grow their operations. The program addresses these challenges through a phased, regionally coordinated model called "Hub and Spoke," which provides both centralized and specialized services to underrepresented businesses across Massachusetts. Funding is offered across four strands. Strand A supports the establishment of regional Hubs to provide core services such as financial planning, operations support, human resources assistance, business development, and procurement navigation. Strand B funds sector-specific Spokes that deliver specialized services tailored to a particular clean energy industry or business type. Strand C supports a specialized Contractor Development Pathway focused on integrating businesses into the Mass Save® energy efficiency ecosystem. Strand D offers planning and capacity-building grants for entities preparing to join the Hub and Spoke ecosystem or pilot a new approach aligned with CUBS goals. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, government entities, and qualified for-profit organizations that operate within Massachusetts. Hubs may request up to $800,000 for projects spanning two to three years, while Spokes may request up to $400,000 for one- to two-year programs. Planning and capacity-building grants are available at lower tiers. All awards are structured as cost-reimbursement agreements, except for certain Strand D awards, which may be structured based on deliverables. Applicants must have a Massachusetts presence and submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Applications are submitted via email to [email protected] by 11:59 PM ET on either January 16, 2026 or April 17, 2026. Required materials include a signed authorization form, application narrative, detailed budget and schedule, and optional but encouraged letters of support or memoranda of understanding. Evaluation criteria include applicant experience, alignment with clean energy priorities, program design clarity, regional impact, diversity of approach, and sustainability beyond the grant term. All grantees must track performance metrics, provide monthly progress reports, and participate in technical assistance and learning cohorts hosted by MassCEC. This grant opportunity is recurring annually, with anticipated next rounds aligned to the state’s fiscal year cycle. Successful applicants will be notified in April or July 2026 depending on the submission round. Contracts are expected to be executed within four to six months of the submission deadline. Grantees will be required to complete all funded activities within three years of contract start, with an additional year allocated for outcome tracking and reporting.

Tailor services to climate-critical sectors; demonstrate measurable procurement outcomes; align with workforce and equity goals.