GCC Incubator
The Goal: launch, grow, and sustain a local climate-focused organization
The Exercise: complete a customized Implementation Playbook in the 12 week course with a cohort of other sustainability leaders, followed by 12 months of implementation support
The Experience: based on their vast knowledge, your instructors will provide guidance through online instruction, assignments and mentorship
The Cohort: teams of 2 from varied organizations will share their approaches, challenges and successes with the class
The GCC Incubator was created to train as many climate-change leaders as possible in the shortest amount of time. We believe strong, sustainable organizations that serve the needs of local communities are the key to transitioning everyone to an eco-friendly, low-carbon world. Let’s collaborate and share information to facilitate this much needed change!
With our turn-key training approach, leaders are equipped to ‘hit the ground running’ with the practical examples, templates and customized implementation Playbook provided in the Incubator. Paired with a year-long mentorship and graduate networking platform, graduates are fully supported to pursue their goals.
What’s included
Weekly 90 minute virtual sessions
Like a typical college course, each cohort meets weekly, completes assignments and prepares for the next week’s session. These sessions are designed to explain best-practices and answer your questions as you tailor the information to your organization’s goals.
Comprehensive Information
The Incubator covers every topic needed to run a successful climate-focused organization. We make all the boring non-profit, business tasks easy; share strategies and case-studies for acquiring funding, recruiting and maintaining staff, and community engagement initiatives. Details in the syllabus.
Clearly Defined Steps
Throughout the 12 weeks, your team will complete an Implementation Playbook that can be fully executed at your pace. Depending on your situation, some components will be implemented during the Incubator as assignments and others can be executed after graduation.
Certification
A series of quizzes as well as completion of the Playbook are required to obtain a Certification of Completion. This certification demonstrates your skill to create and grow a successful climate-focused organization.
Supports During the Course’s 12 weeks
Open Office Hours
Up to 2 hours of mentorship per team, per month with Co-Founder, Dean Berg
Cohort portal for sharing information and ideas
Mentorship & Graduate Networking Membership*
Tuition includes 12 Months of Membership (a $450/yr value) after the 12 week course. This membership is designed for playbook implementation support and ongoing idea sharing among graduates.
On-line community with other Incubator course graduates
Up to 2 hours of mentorship per team, per month with Co-Founder, Dean Berg
Course content updates
Discounts on future courses, events and workshops
*Access to these Membership benefits can be renewed annually
Winter 2026 Cohort
12 week Term: January 19 - April 12, 2026
Virtual classes held on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm EST
Application deadline Sunday, December 28th
All for an economical price of $2400
for a 2-person team
Take the guesswork out of leading your Low Carbon Community.
Join the next Incubator
Pre-Requisites
At least one member of the two person team must be the current or proposed leader (Exec Director, CEO, President, etc.) of the organization
The ‘leader’ has, or is comfortable with, startup business or senior level leadership experience in running an organization
Between the two team members, be able to commit at least 6 hours per week for online sessions and homework (during the 12 week course)
The ‘leader’ must be in a position of being able to work on the organization full time, or nearly full time, at the completion of the course
The two team members must be serious about accelerating change and making an impact in their local community
Application Process
Complete the Incubator Application Form with the “Apply Today” button to the right
Acceptance will be confirmed within 7-10 business days
Upon acceptance, pay Incubator tuition fee
Be alert for Incubator details and initial homework assignments
Still Unsure?
Real Solutions
Most climate & sustainability related organizations have 3 primary challenges to achieving their goals:
Not enough funding
Not enough people or those with the right skillsets
Low turnout or engagement within their community
The GCC Incubator prepares your Team to overcome these challenges.
Action Oriented
All of GCC’s courses are designed for immediate implementation. By customizing your own Implementation Playbook you are not just learning concepts but utilizing proven approaches to create a step-by-step action plan.
Expert Instruction
The Incubator is based on proven methods that have been developed over 9 years based on diverse community structures in both the EU and US. See how our knowledge has helped create a successful community organization.
Guest Speakers from around the world specializing on certain topics.
Cost Effective
One-on-one consulting adds up quickly. While we are happy to consult with organizations, we understand that money is tight so we created this Incubator to train and guide teams in a group setting. The added benefit is sharing experiences with classmates.