According to the Environmental Institute of America, Economic Recovery Slowed by Lack of Stimulus Training for Small Business.CAMPBELL, Calif. -- Lack of education is preventing small business from tapping into stimulus programs and furthering recovery. "How will these billions of dollars be efficiently converted into jobs if we don't have a trained workforce to tap into this funding?" asks Alex Thatcher Thatch·er , Margaret Hilda. Baroness. Born 1925. British Conservative politician who served as prime minister (1979-1990). Her administration was marked by anti-inflationary measures, a brief war in the Falkland Islands (1982), and the passage of a , CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of the Environmental Institute of America (EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance, Arlington, VA, www.eia.org) A membership organization founded in 1924 as the Radio Manufacturing Association. It sets standards for consumer products and electronic components. ). "That's the question That's the Question is an American quiz game show on GSN, hosted by game show veteran and former Entertainment Tonight reporter, Bob Goen, which premiered in October 2006. everyone should ask." The statement took on new urgency earlier this week with President Obama's declaration of October as National Energy Awareness Month. "Through State and local grants, increased funding for weatherization programs, job training programs, and policies to support clean energy businesses, we are ushering in Noun 1. ushering in - the introduction of something new; "it signalled the ushering in of a new era" first appearance, introduction, debut, entry, launching, unveiling - the act of beginning something new; "they looked forward to the debut of their new product line" a new era of green energy that will benefit our economic recovery, our security, and our long-term prosperity," stated Obama in his proclamation. While enthusiastic about the nation's renewed focus on energy efficiency, Thatcher points to a major bottleneck: educating small businesses on how to access stimulus programs. For instance, the Department of Energy has allocated $4.7 billion to be spent through the Weatherization Assistance Program over the next 18 months, a program that typically processes $250 million per year through the states to local governments. "How will they accommodate a near 12-fold increase in the program?" asks Thatcher. "There are thousands of small businesses and unemployed contractors that are best positioned to address this work, but only if they understand how to gain access to the skills and funding." "Venture Capital investment in the CleanTech space has been primarily focused on renewable energy Renewable energy utilizes natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished. Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, and hydroelectricity to biomass and biofuels for transportation. , sustainable materials, and smart grid  This article or section is written like an .Please help [ rewrite this article] from a neutral point of view. Mark blatant advertising for , using . technologies," said Ephraim Lindenbaum, Managing Director of Advance Ventures. "Dedicated training programs and providers are critically needed to address the gap in job skills required to enable these emerging technologies to succeed." "Focusing more stimulus dollars on actionable training is critical," concluded Thatcher. "We have not seen a meaningful level of Government support for training organizations in the private sector, such as the Environmental Institute of America and others, which are the best prepared to immediately create jobs." About the Environmental Institute of America, Inc. The Environmental Institute of America, Inc (EIA) is a leading education provider that helps individuals and businesses develop the knowledge, skills and accreditations needed to succeed in the new green economy. EIA's broad curriculum includes LEED[R] education, energy efficiency retrofit ret·ro·fit v. ret·ro·fit·ted or ret·ro·fit, ret·ro·fit·ting, ret·ro·fits v.tr. 1. To provide (a jet, automobile, computer, or factory, for example) with parts, devices, or equipment not in training, solar photovoltaic The generation of voltage by a material that is exposed to light in the visible and invisible ranges. See photoelectric and photovoltaic cell. training, carbon auditing and commercial sustainability management. For further information, visit www.EIofA.com or call Helen Lambert at 408.829.5259. About Advance Ventures Advance Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm with venture development services located in Silicon Valley. Advance Ventures is focused on investing in and supporting emerging companies in cleantech, renewable energy, mobility, digital media and information technology. Advance Ventures actively assists its entrepreneurs build great companies by dedicating significant time, domain expertise and business network to each portfolio company. For more information visit www.advanceventures.com |
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