The Business Network for Offshore Wind has announced a new partnership with Vineyard Wind to educate Massachusetts businesses about opportunities in the offshore wind sector and integrate small businesses as well as those owned by minorities, women, veterans, service-disabled veterans, those with a disability, and LGBT individuals into the local supply chain.
The one-year Offshore Wind Supply Chain Initiative agreement will launch new community outreach initiatives throughout Massachusetts beginning in November 2022. Vineyard Wind is funding the Network’s efforts to deliver its Foundation 2 Blade, Offshore Wind Ready, and Offshore Wind 101 educational training programs, each designed to help local companies and entrepreneurs learn about the offshore wind industry and how they can expand their business into the local supply chain. Graduates of these programs will understand the phases of offshore wind project development, and the component parts and operations of offshore wind projects, and be able to determine where their company best fits into the supply chain.
“The Network is thrilled to partner with Vineyard Wind to educate local businesses on the growing offshore wind industry that will create real jobs, lead to concrete business deals, and a flourishing regional supply chain,” said Liz Burdock, founder and CEO of the Business Network for Offshore Wind. “There is vast opportunity within the U.S. offshore wind industry, particularly in Massachusetts, to create a supply chain that not just meets local needs but can compete on a global scale.”
The Network’s Foundation 2 Blade program (F2B) is the offshore wind industry’s most comprehensive training program for businesses who are ready to take advantage of opportunities within the industry. Over the course of multiple sessions, participants gain the tools, resources, and industry connections that prepare their businesses to successfully enter the offshore wind supply chain. Since launching in 2020, the Network has graduated nearly 350 professionals from federal regulatory agencies, state government, offshore wind developers, Tier 1 suppliers, and other businesses critical to the offshore wind supply chain.
“Vineyard Wind is not just a first-of-its-kind project in the U.S., it also represents the launch of an entirely new industry,” said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller. “As such, we have a unique opportunity to bring in thousands of small businesses as we quickly build out the local supply chain. Our partnership with the Network will ensure that our approach to engaging new companies focused on creating a diverse and inclusive offshore wind supply chain from the start, so that the benefits of this industry will be felt in every community in the Commonwealth.”
Educational opportunities will be offered to vendors and contractors throughout Massachusetts, with special focus on increasing women and minority owned businesses, as well as other diverse businesses, within the offshore wind supply chain. Through the delivery of the Network’s educational training courses, approximately 100 different local and diverse businesses will have gained insight into the opportunities available in the offshore wind industry, and a better understanding of where their services and capabilities may align with industry needs.
