Specifications include, but are not limited to: Potential partner activities for this Topic Area could include, but are not limited to: • Supporting socially-disadvantaged contractors to scale and enter a new market. • Supporting underrepresented workers. • Supplementing the cost for participants and contractor firms through payment for training; scholarships to participants and contractor firms; and/or stipends for their participation. • Providing testing and certification of participants and contractor firms to deliver home improvements and rebates. • Engaging with nonprofit organizations to recruit small contractor firm engagement. • Engaging non-traditional contracting firms (e.g., remodelers, siding companies) to encourage effective integration of the residential rebates in their projects. • Training contractors in marketing and sales, including around financial analysis and payback times, so they can better understand and describe the benefits of energy efficiency and electrification technologies for consumers. • Training contractors how to conduct home energy assessments, including how to determine heating and cooling needs under the Home Efficiency Rebates Programs. • Training contractors about the relationship between a building’s envelope and heating and cooling systems, including how the sequencing of different improvements can impact the overall home.
