The Center by Lendistry Launches Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience Nationwide
The Center by Lendistry’s Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience is now available nationwide, helping small contractors prepare to compete for opportunities in the growing climate resilience and clean energy economy.
Program that's helped contractors secure more than $35M in contracts scales nationally to strengthen small businesses and expand capacity in high-growth markets
Our mission is to help small businesses build the capacity and connections they need to participate in economic growth.”
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, August 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Center by Lendistry is launching its Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience nationwide, bringing its proven contractor development program to small businesses across the country. — Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, President and CEO of The Center by Lendistry
The expansion comes as historic investment in infrastructure, clean energy and climate resilience drives demand for skilled construction capacity nationwide. The Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the wealth gap for small businesses, is scaling the program to help more contractors prepare to compete for that work.
Associated Builders and Contractors estimate that the U.S. construction industry must attract 349,000 net new workers in 2026 alone to meet demand for construction services. Yet many small contractors that could help meet that demand face barriers to growth, from limited access to capital and certifications, to the business systems and industry connections needed to compete for larger contracts.
Those needs are playing out differently across markets. In California, rebuilding needs are creating unprecedented demand for qualified contractors. From wildfire recovery to electrification, contractors are needed to deliver work that meets the state’s evolving building standards. In Atlanta, construction starts are projected to reach $24.3 billion in 2026, with major investments also underway in solar and battery storage. In Dallas–Fort Worth, major investments in the electrical grid are driving demand for skilled contractors. Oncor projects approximately $9 billion in grid infrastructure investment in 2026 across its Texas service territory, part of a $47.5 billion five-year capital plan.
Since launching in 2023, the Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience has served contractors exclusively in Southern California, helping them strengthen their businesses and compete for and win contracts. More recently, participants have put those skills to work supporting rebuilding efforts following the 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles County. To date, 63 contractors have graduated from the program and secured $35.25 million in contracts, with 26 contractors now supporting wildfire recovery.
“The investment happening across the country represents an enormous opportunity for small, local contractors, but opportunity alone isn't enough,” said Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, President and CEO of The Center by Lendistry. “Our mission is to help small businesses build the capacity and connections they need to participate in economic growth. By expanding the program nationally, we can help more contractors compete for the work happening in their communities while building the local expertise needed to make our cities and regions more climate resilient."
The national expansion builds on those lessons, transforming the Contractors Accelerator into a self-paced, fully online model that contractors can access from wherever they are. Participants strengthen their financials and capital readiness, learn how to price and bid public and utility contracts, and build technical expertise in growing sectors including solar, EV charging, battery storage, energy efficiency and green building.
“As electricity demand grows, the United States needs to build clean energy infrastructure faster and that requires a strong, skilled contractor base,” said Alyssa Thomas, Program Officer of Invest in Our Future. “The Center has demonstrated how targeted training and support can help small contractors build the capacity to compete for this work. We’re proud to support The Center as it brings this proven model to contractors across the country, helping accelerate clean energy deployment while expanding economic opportunity in local communities.”
The Contractors Accelerator is open to U.S.-based small businesses in the construction trades, as well as businesses that advise or support the construction industry, and are interested in growing through climate resilience, clean energy or public procurement work. Thanks to the generous support of First Citizens Bank and Invest in Our Future, there is no cost to participate.
Contractors from across the United States are encouraged to register. The Center is conducting targeted outreach in Los Angeles; Dallas–Fort Worth; Atlanta; Washington, D.C./Baltimore; Tampa/Florida Corridor; New York City/Syracuse; Chicago; and Birmingham.
Registration is open through November 10, 2026. To learn more and register, visit www.thecenterbylendistry.org/cacr.
About The Center by Lendistry
The Center by Lendistry is a nonprofit organization that supports diverse small businesses through education, technical assistance, and access to competitive financing. Our mission is to close the wealth gap by anchoring small businesses and the communities where they do business.
Amy J Rosenfeld
Pivotal Strategies
arosenfeld@pivotalstrategies.com
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