Brite Receives $100K to Build Diverse Pipeline of Entrepreneurs

WARREN, Ohio – Brite Energy Innovators will receive a $100,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation to support the development of a diverse pipeline of clean energy entrepreneurs.

Brite looks to build new partnerships to promote awareness and accessibility of its services. The company will also host outreach events in the Cleveland area, fostering dialogue and engagement within the community, a news release states. 

“Brite has a strong track record of helping launch cleantech companies across the state of Ohio,” said Stephen Love, the Cleveland Foundation’s program director for environmental initiatives.

One of the goals of the grant is to ensure that at least 40% of startups participating in Brite’s programming are either BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) or female-owned, the release states. 

“Our hope is this grant will help the organization attract more BIPOC and female entrepreneurs in the Cleveland area, while continuing to support startups that will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and spearhead decarbonization efforts,” Love said.

Brite will use the grant to actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ongoing decarbonization efforts. Fifteen startups participating in BRITEbase will work toward the development and implementation of sustainable solutions that positively shape the energy landscape.

“This partnership with the Cleveland Foundation allows us to accelerate our mission of building a more sustainable future through innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Rick Stockburger, Brite Energy’s president and CEO. “By fostering a diverse pipeline of clean energy entrepreneurs, we are not only driving economic growth but also inspiring a positive impact on our environment.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.