About Equity and Justice
Initiative Background
NENY is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion of all populations in their project initiatives, including all positions, leadership and trainees.
A core value of NENY is cementing equity at the center of all projects and initiatives as this emerging market is developed. The equity and justice project will be integrated within all other project initiatives to ensure there is enough support for wrap-around services in place to overcome common barriers. Not only are NENY and our coalition partners working toward equity in STEM, but also overall equity and justice throughout the battery and energy storage industry and throughout upstate New York.
In addition to the prioritization that is occurring throughout the project initiatives, NENY and our coalition partners are also developing specific equity and justice programs to reach and engage underserved communities.
With the creation and establishment of the battery supply chain in upstate New York, we will be bringing 15,000 jobs to the region.
Equity and Justice Coalition Partners
BBBRC Project Initiatives
Under the BBBRC NENY, there are five pillar initiatives to support the establishment of the nation’s leading battery and energy storage hub in upstate New York. Within each initiative, there are programs led by coalition partners to support the development of both the initiative and the larger project.
Learn more about the BBBRC initiatives at their individual about pages:
Active Equity and Justice Programs
In partnership with NENY, our coalition partner the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator is offering the three-part Equity in Innovation training series to support and encourage entrepreneurs from every background and identity in their business journey. Participants must be in the Southern Tier, from Binghamton to Corning, NY. The in-person program features the Phase 1: Customer Discovery Crash Course with a certificate of completion and $1,000 microgrant, Phase 2: Minority Business Accelerator with a deeper dive into the business model canvas and building business essentials, and Phase 3: MWBE Certification Readiness Course where participants learn benefits of being MWBE certified and are informed on the application process. Learn More
In partnership with NENY, our coalition partner IncubatorWorks is offering their 12-week accelerator program Co.Starters. Their goal is to help entrepreneurs validate their ideas via one-on-one coaching to have a higher viable business success rate. Entrepreneurs are provided with a curriculum, business model canvas and other tools to utilize throughout the program; they also participate in fieldwork to help with idea validation. The weekly sessions serve individuals in Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler and Allegany counties. Learn More
In partnership with NENY, our coalition partner Southern Door Community Land Trust is offering Community Cafés with a focus on clean energy professions and the energy burden faced by low-income communities. The informative and interactive event gives community members the opportunity to learn from industry experts sharing their knowledge and insights to help them gain a deeper understanding of the importance of clean energy and its impact on our communities. Southern Door Community Land Trust will also provide a small meal and childcare to help promote participation. Learn More
