On September 15, the New Biz Malden program welcomed a full fall cohort of 10 aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs. Designed to support entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic mobility, the program provides participants with the resources, training, and mentorship needed to turn business ideas into actionable plans.
Each participant has been paired with a local business owner who will serve as a mentor throughout the program. Through weekly classes and one-on-one mentorship, students will develop a comprehensive business plan that they will present at the conclusion of the program. To help support their entrepreneurial journey, participants also receive a dedicated business laptop and a stipend.
The program builds on a growing body of research highlighting the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs on the U.S. economy. A 2022 study conducted by economists from MIT, Northwestern University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Census Bureau found that immigrants are approximately 80% more likely to start a business than native-born Americans. According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants account for approximately 23.6% of entrepreneurs in the United States despite representing only 14.3% of the population. They also note that nearly half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children.
By combining business education, mentorship, technology, and financial support, New Biz Malden is helping make entrepreneurship a more accessible pathway to meaningful employment, business ownership, and long-term financial stability.
HVAC and Clean Energy Training Programs Deliver Strong Employment Outcomes
Our workforce training initiatives supported through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) continue to generate meaningful outcomes for participants seeking careers in the growing clean energy and HVAC industries.
In June, our SCALE (Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences) HVAC training program celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of 11 students. Through extensive job placement assistance and employer engagement efforts, eight graduates have already secured employment. Graduates have entered positions with local HVAC installation companies, apprenticeship programs, and one participant has even launched her own HVAC company alongside her husband.
One particularly inspiring success story comes from a graduate we will refer to as “E” for privacy reasons. After completing the program and earning industry recognized certifications, E received a promotion and a $20,000 salary increase with his current employer. His experience demonstrates the tangible impact that workforce training and credential attainment can have on career advancement and increased earning potential.
We are also pleased to share that an additional cohort of four students recently completed the SkillSeek HVAC training program under the same MassCEC grant. One graduate has already secured employment, while the remaining three are actively seeking opportunities in the field with support from our job placement team.
Looking ahead, the next HVAC cohort is scheduled to graduate at the end of January. As we prepare to support these graduates in their transition to employment, we are actively seeking employer partners interested in connecting with qualified, certified talent.
Call to Action: If you are an HVAC employer, or know of a company that is hiring, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. Our graduates are trained, certified, and ready to contribute to the growing HVAC and clean energy workforce.