The Center by Lendistry takes its contractors accelerator nationwide

The Center by Lendistry is expanding its Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience nationwide on Aug. 12, 2026, after the program helped Southern California contractors win $35.25 million in contracts. The free online model aims to help small businesses compete for climate resilience, clean energy and public procurement work as infrastructure spending and rebuilding demand rise across U.S. markets.

Why it matters: - The national rollout aims to help small contractors compete for more of the work tied to infrastructure, clean energy and climate resilience spending. - The expansion also targets a shortage of skilled construction capacity as demand rises in multiple markets. - The Center by Lendistry is positioning the program as a way to strengthen small businesses while expanding local capacity for climate-related projects.

What happened: - The Center by Lendistry launched its Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience nationwide on Aug. 12, 2026. - The nonprofit is opening the program to U.S.-based small businesses in the construction trades and to businesses that advise or support the construction industry. - Registration is open through Nov. 10, 2026. - Contractors can learn more and register through the program page.

The details: - The program began in 2023 and had served contractors only in Southern California. - The accelerator helped participants strengthen their businesses and compete for and win contracts. - Since launch, 63 contractors have graduated and secured $35.25 million in contracts. - Twenty-six graduates are now supporting wildfire recovery. - Participants have also supported rebuilding after the 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles County. - The national version is now self-paced and fully online. - The curriculum covers financial strength, capital readiness, pricing and bidding public and utility contracts, and technical skills in solar, EV charging, battery storage, energy efficiency and green building. - The program is free, supported by First Citizens Bank and Invest in Our Future. - The Center is focusing outreach on Los Angeles; Dallas–Fort Worth; Atlanta; Washington, D.C./Baltimore; Tampa/Florida Corridor; New York City/Syracuse; Chicago; and Birmingham.

Between the lines: - The expansion reflects a broader push to turn climate and infrastructure investment into contract opportunities for smaller firms that often lack capital, certifications and industry relationships. - Associated Builders and Contractors estimate the U.S. construction industry needs 349,000 net new workers in 2026 to meet demand. - California, Atlanta and Dallas–Fort Worth stand out as high-demand markets, but the online format broadens access beyond those regions. - Alyssa Thomas of Invest in Our Future said the model can help accelerate clean energy deployment while expanding economic opportunity in local communities.

What's next: - The Center will recruit contractors nationwide ahead of the Nov. 10 registration deadline. - The program is expected to channel more small businesses into climate resilience, clean energy and public procurement projects. - The Center plans to continue building regional contractor capacity as more infrastructure and clean energy work moves forward.

The bottom line: - The Center by Lendistry is scaling a proven contractor training model to meet national demand and help more small businesses win work in fast-growing climate and infrastructure markets.