Applications for the 2025 cohort of the 20/20 Catalysts Program are now open until January 31, 2025.
Embark on a clean energy learning experience of a lifetime and become a catalyst for change
The 20/20 Catalysts Program is an intensive six-month program designed to propel participants—known as Catalysts—to become clean energy leaders. Through practical and applied learning, the program equips Catalysts with the tools to develop successful clean energy projects and effective partnerships.
This award-winning capacity-building program connects First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Catalysts to a network of mentors and coaching specialists involved in clean energy project development—both on and off-grid—such as solar and wind farming, hydro, bioenergy, microgrids and storage, and energy efficiency upgrades. The program is led by the most knowledgeable and experienced Indigenous leaders and clean energy practitioners from coast to coast.
What's involved?
Throughout the program, Catalysts are supported by peers, mentors, coaches, ICE staff, and through the ICE Network. Upon completion, Catalysts will possess the skills, tools, and resources necessary to maximize the social and economic benefits that communities can gain through participation in clean energy projects.
Participants will have access to:
- Engaging in-class learning sessions;
- One-on-one clean energy mentorship;
- Personal and professional coaching;
- Clean energy project tours;
- Informative and educational webinars;
- The exclusive 20/20 Catalysts Program space on the ICE Network;
- Tools, resources, and networks to support community clean energy projects.
Participants will develop skills in four main energy skills categories:
- Business management and entrepreneurship
- Energy project development
- Project financing and equity structures
- Community energy engagement and planning
Program Takeaways
Catalysts will learn from experts and colleagues through shared experiences and lessons from past projects. Ultimately, they will walk away from the Program with the skills, tools, and resources necessary to maximize the social and economic benefits that communities can gain through participation in clean energy projects.
The Program focuses on four Energy Skills Categories. Each category is broken down into key session topics.
Business Management & Entrepreneurship
- Human Resource Skills Development & Training
- Project Management
- Employment Strategies and Procurement
- Apprenticeships & Mentoring
- Partnerships with Stakeholders
- Economic and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Energy Project Development
- Clean Energy Project Feasibility Studies
- Environmental Regulations & Permitting
- Clean Energy Project Construction and Operations
- Project Site Management and Control
- Introduction to Energy Systems
Project Financing and Equity Structures
- Equity Options & Structures
- Financing Terms & Conditions
- Financial Risk Reduction and Management
- Community Trusts and Reinvestments
Community Energy Engagement and Planning
- Identifying Community Energy Needs
- Understanding Energy Landscapes
- Community Energy and Education Engagement Strategies
- Creating and Implementing a Community Energy Plan
Experiential On-Site Intensives
A unique perk of the 20/20 Catalysts program are the three, week-long on-site intensive sessions where Catalysts have the chance to learn one-on-one alongside experienced clean energy mentors. Held in three diverse areas across Canada’s natural landscape, locations are chosen based on their proximity to renewable energy projects. Each of the three intensives fosters a comfortable and open learning environment that enables creativity and collaboration.
2024 Locations
June 2024
- Tofino, BC
September 2024
- Wendake, QC
November 2024
- Southern Ontario
Commitments
Catalysts are expected to actively engage in all on-site and virtual program activities and bring the skills and knowledge they gain back to their community. There is a significant time commitment required.
Over six months, Catalysts must commit to:
- 3 week-long on-site intensive sessions;
- One-on-one coaching and/mentoring sessions;
- 6 online webinar sessions;
- Submission of 3 action plans;
- The completion and submission of a Catalyst Action Project.
Program Goals
Leadership Capabilities
Catalysts are connected with program mentors and ICE’s network from across the country to acquire fundamental clean energy skills, such as know-how to create social change and gain economic benefits. This is then brought back to communities and applied to community-led projects.
Building Community Capacity
Catalysts are encouraged to share their program experiences and resources with other community members to promote the social and economic benefits of their project vision. This may be done through employment training and skills development, community planning, financial management, and other methods to foster and educate community members about clean energy and sustainability.
Community Readiness
The ultimate goal of the 20/20 Catalyst Program is to create clean energy leaders who feel confident and prepared to develop successful clean energy projects and effective partnerships. By equipping communities, they will be ready to capitalize on and seek out clean energy development opportunities.
Become a Catalyst
We accept an average of 20 participants each year into the 20/20 Catalysts Program.
To qualify, participants must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Currently working on a clean energy project within an Indigenous community in Canada
- Have introductory-level experience with clean energy projects
Successful applicants will be selected based on their past or current involvement in developing clean energy projects in Indigenous communities.
Become a Mentor
Program Mentors are experienced Indigenous leaders and clean energy practitioners who possess deep familiarity with Indigenous culture, traditions, and values. They provide one-on-one personal and professional development support to each Catalyst, helping them develop their leadership skills.
Program Mentors must be available to support Catalysts before, during, and after the 20/20 Catalysts Program.
Partners and Collaborators
20/20 Catalysts is a collaboration among several partners and donors. The program depends on contributions from private, government, and charitable organizations. Donations to the program can be made through the Ottawa Community Foundation. An income tax receipt will be provided.
When you donate to the 20/20 Catalysts Program, you are committing to the growth of clean energy projects across Canada.
Contact Us
Any questions about 20/20 Catalysts should be directed to Justice Morningstar, 20/20 Catalysts Program Manager at jmorningstar@indigenouscleanenergy.com.