Diverse Program Ally Incubator
The Ameren Illinois Diverse Program Ally Incubator supports the business development of minorities, women, veterans, differently abled and LGBTQ+ contractors.
Ready to Apply?
This application should take between 15 and 20 minutes to complete.
To complete the application on a mobile device, first download the application on your mobile device and open it in the Adobe Acrobat app. There is no cost to participate in the Incubator.
For additional information or questions regarding the application process, please contact us at DEIOutreach@wmenergy.com.
Program Schedule
Virtual training workshops series will be held in Spring of 2024.
A detailed schedule will be provided upon acceptance into the Diverse Program Ally Incubator.
Attention Diverse Contractors!
Expand your business into energy efficiency through the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program.
The purpose of the Incubator is to provide focused and professional training as well as customized resources for diverse contractors willing and able to work in the Ameren Illinois service territory to grow their business in the energy efficiency field while becoming eligible to participate as a Program Ally with the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program.
Program Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for the Incubator.
- In business for at least one year.
- Experience with HVAC, electrical, lighting, weatherization, plumbing, building envelope, insulation and/or general contracting.
- Licensed and insured to do business in Illinois and/or the territories served, as applicable.
- Eligible to do business in the state of Illinois.
- Certificate of Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Eligible to apply for diverse certifications OR currently are a Certified Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE).
- Able to participate virtually in a series of eight weekly training sessions, one afternoon each week for two hours.
- Able to attend an in-person networking and graduation celebration event.
- Committed to participating in regularly scheduled one-on-one coaching sessions, in-person and on-site mentorship, as well as complete a back office support assessment.
Workshop and Program Timelines
The Incubator will offer participants virtual workshops, one-on-one back office support and networking with industry experts and professionals. The topics of these virtual workshops may change to maintain business relevancy and quality service for the contractors accepted into the incubator. The training curriculum will have the following structure:
Training
Weekly webinar series (8 webinars; 2 hours per webinar)
Hands-On Practice
Mentorship, back office support and one-on-one business coaching sessions
Business Growth Plan
Energy efficiency project identification and graduation
I would highly recommend taking part in an incubator program like this to any small business. It has been instrumental in helping us improve our business, ourselves as business owners, and it helped us attain goals we previously thought were out of reach. The program leaders and speakers were extremely helpful, friendly and accessible for any questions and advise that we could ask for. I could not have imagined at the beginning of this program that it would be as insightful for our business as it ended up being. Everyone with Walker-Miller Energy and Ameren has been and continues to be amazing.
Interested in the Program?
Take the next step in growing your business with tailored support, expert mentorship, and industry connections designed to help you succeed in energy efficiency.
