Tools of the Trade – Business Coaching for Energy Pros
Master a proven framework for building and sustaining your energy services business! With Tools of the Trade, you’ll learn about recruiting and retaining your workforce, and capitalizing on Vermonter’s growing interest in renewable energy and energy-efficiency oriented solutions. Help address the global challenge of extreme weather events with energy solutions for everyday Vermonters
Tools of the Trade is a business training program designed to support the needs of builders and contractors in the energy efficiency and renewable energy business. This includes home performance and weatherization contractors, renewable energy and energy-efficiency oriented builders, electricians, and energy audit businesses. This 18-month business coaching program is designed to improve your executive business skills and enhance core operations.
The Tools of the Trade program will be delivered through a mix of online and in-person sessions depending on what will best suit your business needs.
Hone your business skills in the areas of:
- Workforce Recruitment and Retention
- Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
- Overall Financial Management
- Operations/Program Management
- Marketing Business Services
- Customer Relations and more…
Tools of the Trade – Business Fundamentals for Energy Pros includes three distinct training elements:
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- Core Business Fundamentals ‘Boot Camp’ [six 90-minute group learning sessions plus 1-2 hours of prep/post work]
- Small Group Trainings on Industry Specific Business Challenges [ten 90-min group learning sessions plus some prep/post work]
- Concurrent One-on-One Coaching Support tailored to meet the unique needs of your business [ten 2 – 3 hour work sessions plus some prep/post work]
Accepting Tools of the Trade 2.0 Applications SOON!
Application Closes: September 5, 2025
Notification of Businesses Selected to Participate: September 22, 2025
Program Start Date: October 2025
Program End Date: June 2026
Participation Cost: $1,000; this program and its delivery is valued at $9,500 per company.
For questions about the program contact: Kurt Ericksen, kurt@vsjf.org
Additional Details:
- There will be two required in-person sessions – for the kick-off event (October 2025) and for the ‘graduation’ celebration (June 2026).
- Many sessions will be delivered online and held between 7am and 7pm during the time of day best suited to participants’ needs. If participants prefer more in-person time with their coach or in a group setting, we can accommodate that as well.
- Continuing education credits being offered for those who complete the program is being explored.
Business Coach: You will be paired with an experienced business coach to work with throughout the program. The coach will meet with you virtually or in-person.
Participant Pledge:
- We ask that you make a commitment to showing up both to work on your business and to engage with and support the other participants who are also working on their business.
- We ask that you be open to learning and adapting your business based on new insights you gain and new practices you are exposed to in the program.
- Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the program.
Tools of the Trade is made possible through funding from Efficiency Vermont.
Become a Funder
Are you interested in funding one of our programs or services? We are seeking funders to achieve our sustainable economic goals as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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Become a Client
Are you interested in becoming a client to grow your business, industry sector, or replicate one of our approaches? We offer a suite of services for businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.
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Become a Partner
Are you interested in partnering with us to build a thriving economic, social, and ecological future for Vermont? We invite collaboration from diverse stakeholders in all areas of our work.
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