TarmacTX

Accelerating science and technology-based solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges

Our Mission

TarmacTX fosters the development of organizations that are offering solutions to local and global environmental and social issues.

Local Solutions to Global Issues

Austin is increasingly dedicated to “going green” by prioritizing efforts related to conservation, sustainability, nature, the circular economy, emissions reductions and zero waste.

As a known hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, this creates exciting expansion opportunities for businesses, non-profits, and start-ups in the environmental impact industry to create well-paying local jobs, attract investment, and support the necessary infrastructure for a resilient economy and sustainable environment in Central Texas.

The Green Workforce Accelerator is a collaboration with the City of Austin's Civilian Conservation Corps (CACCC) to support emerging for- and non-profit startups that focus their impact in one or more of the following areas:

(1) environmental sustainability

(2) nature stewardship

(3) circular economy

(4) green jobs

(5) economic mobility

(6) workforce training.

TarmacTX is partnering with Blue Sky Partners and Divinc to deliver the program. Selected participants will have the support to accelerate their pre-existing infrastructure to either move into a rapid growth, traction process, or a collaboration with other selected organizations to pilot workforce training programs aligned with Austin’s green job needs.

The overarching mission of this work is to scale existing and new employment opportunities in the green sector (perhaps through a selected startups product or service) and provide economic mobility to those most affected by COVID-19.

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What You'll Get

The program is designed to impact participating organizations:

Direct grant funding of approximately $7,500 from the City of Austin Civilian Conservation Corps to support your work during the program
Hands-on workshops to create critical work product via expert-facilitated workshops
Curated mentor networks and meetings with influential local leaders
Peer-to-peer assessment and learning cycles
In-person and virtual site visits to training programs

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Who is eligible?

Applicants must have a mission aligned with (1) environmental sustainability, (2) nature stewardship (3) circular economy, (4) green jobs, (5) economic mobility, and/or (6) workforce training.

Priority will be given to applicants with a specific focus on historically under-resourced communities such as black, indigenous, and people of color.

Environmental focus areas include:

Fuels mitigation and brush pickup
Planting and watering trees and greenery
Trails creation and maintenance
Beautification and art
Urban farm development and maintenance
Designing and laying out irrigation systems in support of planting efforts
Watershed protection and erosion mitigation
Invasive species management and removal
Restoration of native habitats
Park maintenance
Urban orchard planning and planting on public lands

Workforce training focus areas include:

Short-term non-traditional postsecondary programs
Developing curriculum, certifications and badges
Work-based learning opportunities
Dignity of work for formerly incarcerated individuals
STEM for underrepresented groups
Work based, internship, and apprenticeship learning opportunities
Learn and earn

The Green Workforce Accelerator
Powered by TarmacTX and the City of Austin Civilian Conservation Corps