Fresno's WERX FORCE Program
The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC), established in 2001, is a twenty-year-old community-based organization that envisions an equitable, open, thriving market without social, political, or economic barriers to the financial success of Black people and their businesses. Our mission is to engage, educate, and empower the Black business community. FMBCC conducts charitable work through the Fresno Metro Black Chamber Foundation (FMBCF), a 501(c)3 organization.
Electrify California is a coalition of partners led by the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (CAPCC). The partners have deep expertise in managing capital access and growth technical assistance programs, serving socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) and SEDI entrepreneurs, and closing the opportunity gap for SEDI entrepreneurs in the electrification/clean economy sector. The partners will provide access to SSBCI and other forms of capital business capacity building and serve high-poverty and rural areas of California.
Program Overview
Electrify California Accelerator assists businesses further in their maturity process that desire to enter the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) sector. It provides a rapid infusion of technical assistance to ensure that participants are contract-ready.
It should be noted that the State of California requires that an EVSE installer be either a Certified Electrician or a C-10 electrical contractor. To become a certified electrician or C-10 Electrical Contractor, a minimum of 8,000 hours of training and work experience is needed. Due to those requirements, our Accelerator program is limited to the Introduction to Basic EV Charging Station Infrastructure Installation for Students entering the Electrical Trade.
Key Takeaways
Cohort Subject
- Understanding EV Techincal Requirements
- Comprehensive Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Charging Infrastructure Training
- Introduction to Other Low-Carbon Economy Markets
Capacity Building
Program participants will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one advising. This business navigation support will continue throughout the incubator and accelerator programs.
Access To Capital
An SSBCI Business Navigation advisor will support the entrepreneur in achieving capital infusion milestones. Participants will receive one-on-one meetings with Electrify California SEDI entrepreneurs, careful financial and business growth road mapping, pitch practice sessions, and other related business development activities.
Access To Networks
- Networking Events & Matchmaking Opportunities
- Participants can attend at least two in-person networking events during the cohort incubator and accelerator. This will allow them to meet with past cohort members, SMEs, and other participants to expand their network.
- Participants can enroll as members of the Diversity Procure platform to gain access to private and public contract opportunities focused on building a low-carbon future.
- Pitch Day Event
- In addition to networking activities, a hybrid Pitch Day event will allow SEDI participants to introduce their businesses to potential investors and funders.
Cohort Schedule
| Week | Date | Topic/Meeting Type |
|---|---|---|
| Week One | 4/3/2024 | Orientation |
| Week Two | 4/10/2024 | Intro to Electric Vehicles |
| Week Three | 4/17/2024 | Electric Vehicle Components |
| Week Four | 4/24/2024 | Battery Technology |
| Week Five | 5/1/2024 | Electric Vehicle Charging |
| Week Six | 5/8/2024 | Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles |
| Week Seven | 5/15/2024 | Electric Vehicle Economics |
| Week Eight | 5/22/2024 | Emerging Trends |
| Week Nine | 5/29/2024 | Business Opportunities and the Future of EVs |
| Week Ten | 6/5/2024 | Business Opportunities and the Future of EVs |
| Week Eleven | 6/12/2024 | Pitch Ready |
| Week Twelve | 6/19/2024 | EV Professionals Panel (Q&A) |
| Additional Event | TBD | Networking Event |
| Additional Event | TBD | Pitch Event (Hybrid) |
Technical Assistance Support
Electrify California will assist businesses with receiving one-on-one technical assistance with subject matter experts. This assistance can be for.
Mandatory Requirements
Founders are required to be present and active for the following:
- Cohort Classes
- Pitch Practice (According to Schedule)
3 STRIKES AND YOU’RE OUT! - Three unexcused absence sessions (including standup meetings, lessons, and labs) will cause you to be removed from the program. Please notify the program manager of any intended absences and tardies beforehand.
Zoom Etiquette
- Be polite and respectful of your peers.
- Be on time - business professionals will facilitate these sessions, and we want to honor their time.
- Be courteous of your background noise while in a Zoom meeting.
- Ensure that you have a clean, work-appropriate background.
- Your camera must be on during meetings, and please ensure that your Zoom profile picture is business-appropriate.
- Keep your microphone muted until you are prompted to speak or share.
- Utilize the Raise Your Hand feature in Zoom if you have a question or need assistance.
- Utilize the chat feature if you have a comment.
- When using the chat, be aware of who you are messaging, “everyone” vs “private messages.”
- Dress appropriately for weekly meetings.
Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Xw72IuPLTLe2YBiQPzBq_g
Program Contacts
Dustin Candler, Program Facilitator - ddcandler@gmail.com
Brittany Carpenter, Bizwerx Mobility Outreach Coordinator - brittany@fmbcc.com