23 March 2016
COLCHESTER, VT – Green Mountain Power today announced it is opening up its state-of-the-art, open concept workspace in Colchester, Vermont to the world’s most inspiring energy innovators. The fun competition will allow entrepreneurs and energy pioneers the opportunity to share their cutting-edge ideas for a chance to locate their companies at GMP’s Inspire Space.
“This exciting initiative is our way of encouraging businesses to locate here in Vermont by supporting energy entrepreneurs who will deliver the latest in new technology and clean energy for customers,” said Green Mountain Power President and CEO Mary Powell. “Innovation is the key to cost-effective, clean energy and making the world a more sustainable place. Working together is the best way to achieve this energy vision.”
The GMP Inspire Space is part of GMP’s Colchester headquarters, and selected visionaries will have the opportunity to work alongside the GMP team and other energy leaders, collaborating on new energy technology and clean energy solutions. GMP will provide free space, coaching and collaboration with the GMP team, professional support, and more to help the companies succeed.
“Vermont is recognized the world over as a leader in energy innovation, and this contest is a creative way to support new energy leaders and start-ups while also encouraging businesses to locate or stay in Vermont,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. “I can think of no better place on the planet for an energy entrepreneur to locate than Green Mountain Power in Vermont.”
John Abele, a successful entrepreneur, is co-founder and a director of Boston Scientific, a medical device company, and lives in Vermont.
“This contest provides energy entrepreneurs a unique chance to engage with the Vermont community and solve real world problems that could benefit everyone,” said Abele. “This is about passion and grit, and creating a change in culture where like-minded innovators and companies like GMP lead by example.”
“Starting and growing a new business is one of the most exciting and frankly terrifying things a person can do, so having spaces like this where businesses can collaborate with each other, share ideas, and enjoy camaraderie is so important,” said Marguerite Dibble, founder of GameTheory, a gaming company located at the VCET co-working space in downtown Burlington.
The details:
- Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2016.
- Up to five businesses will be selected into the GMP Inspire Space.
- Winners will be announced May 30, 2016.
- Qualifying companies must be in the electrical energy sector and focused specifically on new energy technology or clean energy solutions.
- All winning applicants must relocate their business to the GMP Inspire Space for a minimum of one year.
- Winners will be awarded a relocation stipend and provided free working space, parking, Internet and other support functions.
For more information on GMP’s Inspire Space competition or to apply, please visit: http://gmpinspire.com/
About Green Mountain Power:
Green Mountain Power (GMP) serves approximately 265,000 residential and business customers in Vermont and has a vision to be the best small company in America by partnering with Vermonters to improve lives and transform communities. GMP is focused on a new way of doing business to meet the needs of customers with integrated energy services that help people use less energy and save money, while continuing to generate clean, cost-effective and reliable power in Vermont. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. In 2014, Vote Solar named GMP a Solar Champion. More information at: gmpsnapshot.greenmountainpower.com. Connect with GMP on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @GreenMtnPower.
Kristin Carlson
Green Mountain Power
802-229-8200
[email protected]