Solano Center For Business Innovation Inc

Programs: Development and implementation of courses and programs designed to assist local contractors expand their businesses into the home energy performance market. For 2014, these programs had two primary focuses: 1) how to leverage the energy upgrade california program (to help homeowners become more energy efficient) and still make a profit, 2) how to do outreach and marketing to homeowners who want to become more energy efficient. Programs which were implemented included helping contractors to develop a business and financial model of their company (using microsoft excel) so that they could understand how to set pricing and/or discounts, and how those prices or discounts impacted their overall business profitability. In addition, worked with local contractors to develop a housing profile for each home in the county in order to identify those homes which would most likely benefit from energy improvements. The intent was to help contracrors better identify potential customers, and therefore become more effective at marketing. Served 8 contractors.

development and implementation of general training courses for start-ups or general small businesses. In 2014 we partnered with the local sbdc (small business development center) to offer many of their courses. The market served is primarily the micro-enterprise community, with many being from low-moderate income households within the county. Courses ranged from general start-up topics to more in-depth topics such as quickbooks training, marketing with social media, year-end tax tips and becoming organized. Class attendees ranged from 5 to 19 per class.