PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance, Inc. was awarded $50,000 to develop a regional plan supporting underrepresented businesses with readiness, growth, and advancement support, and procurement navigation for businesses in Western Mass.

 

The announcement was part of more than $7 million in grants awarded by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to enhance workforce development in climatetech. 

 

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Interim CEO Dr. Jennifer Le Blond announced the funding during the 2026 Central Massachusetts Regional Clean Energy & Climatetech Workforce Summit at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 

 

"Massachusetts is leading the nation in clean energy and climatetech, and that leadership depends on a strong, skilled workforce," said Governor Maura Healey. "These investments will connect residents across the state to good-paying careers while helping employers meet growing demand. We are building a clean energy economy that creates opportunity in every region and real jobs for Massachusetts workers."

 

The summit focused on three strategic themes: building strategic connections, addressing critical workforce challenges in the region, and exploring resources and funding. Building on the success of MassCEC's previous regional summits in Northeast and Western Massachusetts, this event is part of the agency's broader effort to establish a statewide Climate Corridor. 

 

The climatetech sector in Massachusetts employs nearly 163,000 people. In Central Massachusetts alone, the sector provides jobs for more than 24,000 people, and employers continue to look for skilled personnel. Events like today's summit drive the collaboration needed to expand and upskill the clean energy workforce, which remains crucial to transitioning to a clean energy economy.