Overview
BECMA’s EV Kickstarter program is designed to guide experienced entrepreneurs’ expansion into the Massachusetts electric vehicle (EV) charging industry as resellers, owner-operators, installers or maintenance providers of charging stations. We intentionally target entrepreneurs who already have the relationships and business wherewithal to quickly expand into this high growth industry.
The program launched in 2021 and in 2023, BECMA was awarded a grant by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) that allowed the program to expand to support two cohorts of 10 businesses.
Date
The program for Co-Hort #2 will run from April 1st to August 31st with bi-weekly meetings with a continuation period through the contractual phase.
Overview
BECMA’s EV Kickstarter program is designed to guide experienced entrepreneurs’ expansion into the Massachusetts electric vehicle (EV) charging industry as resellers, owner-operators, installers or maintenance providers of charging stations. We intentionally target entrepreneurs who already have the relationships and business wherewithal to quickly expand into this high growth industry.
The program launched in 2021 and in 2023, BECMA was awarded a grant by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) that allowed the program to expand to support two cohorts of 10 businesses.
BECMA recently launched the program for our second cohort of EV Kickstarter entrepreneurs. The program features bi-weekly meetings and a continuation period through the contractual phase.
The EV Kickstarter takes participants through 3 phases:
- Information sharing where business members interact and learn from industry experts via EV Kickstarter presentations and individual office hours.
- Developing entrepreneurs’ EV charging pathway and utilizing BECMA’s Back Office Support Services (BOSS) program to ensure members are able to acquire the necessary components to execute their customized EV charging service strategy.
- Supporting the participant with acquiring contracts right-sized to their business and new EV service model.
Technicians and Installers
killed professionals looking to specialize in EV charging station installation.
Sustainability Enthusiasts
Individuals passionate about contributing to a greener future.
General Contracting Firms
Well established and experienced in municipal/private development, seeking to diversify and expand their operations into the EV sector.
The EV Kickstarter aims to furnish participating businesses with the essential resources required to secure contracts, capital, and a highly skilled workforce, enabling them to thrive and expand within the Electric Vehicle industry.
In 2023, BECMA hosted two EV Kickstarter workshops with participation from over 70 diverse firms. The workshops provide a platform for entrepreneurs to learn about scaling opportunities in a high-growth Mass. industry and learn from EV industry players about the industry landscape, projected sector growth, and economics involved in expanding into the industry.
Have Questions?
Reach out to Anthony Moore, Jr., Director of Member Programs for more information: amoore@becma.org.
Audience Identification
Technicians and Installers: Skilled professionals looking to specialize in EV charging station installation.
Sustainability Enthusiasts: Individuals passionate about contributing to a greener future.
Black Led General Contracting Firms: Well established and experienced in municipal/private development seeking to diversify and expand their operations into the EV sector.
Online Presence
Establish a strong online presence to reach a wider audience:
Website: Develop a dedicated website providing program details, benefits, and application procedures.
Social Media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook for regular updates, engaging content, and community building.
Online Ads: Invest in targeted online advertising campaigns to reach specific demographics.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
Local Businesses: Collaborate with local businesses for mutual promotion and community engagement.
Educational Institutions: Partner with universities and technical schools to attract students and professionals.
Industry Associations: Leverage connections with industry associations for broader reach.
Informational Sessions and Office Hours:
Webinars: Conduct webinars explaining the program’s goals, phases, and benefits.
Website Landing Page: explaining the program’s goals, phases, and benefits.
Office Hours and One on One Sessions: Allow potential participants to ask questions and interact with program leaders and industry professionals.
Email Marketing
Newsletters: Regularly sharing program information in our newsletters featuring program updates, success stories, and industry insights.
Personalized Emails: Send personalized emails to potential participants based on their expressed interests.
Recruitment Events:
EV Kickstarters: host EV business model seminars to connect with developers, technicians and installers.
At these kickstarters BECMA will facilitate workshops on EV awareness and the program’s significance.
Media Coverage:
Secure media coverage to enhance program visibility:
Press Releases: Distribute press releases to local and industry-specific media outlets.
Interviews and Features: Arrange interviews with program leaders for print and online publications.
Referral Programs:
Referral Resources: Offer additional resources to current participants who are active and participating in other business development programs.
Testimonials: Showcase success stories and testimonials to build credibility.
Networking:
Industry Conferences: Attend and speak at conferences related to electric vehicles and sustainability.
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Virtual Networking Events: Participate in online networking events to connect with potential partners and participants.
Metrics and Evaluation:
Implement metrics for ongoing evaluation:
Data is collected and analyzed on an ongoing basis at minimum bi-monthly. Our modes for collecting data are via surveys, service request forms, and participant update/feedback via (soon to be) Slack, CRM and meeting notes.
**Data used for program modification: **
Participant engagement (follow through on task/request, participation in office hours)
Participant progression through phases in accordance to program timeline
Participant feedback
**Data tracking metrics: **
Participant knowledge of EV charging industry measured via pre and post EV assessment
Number of bids submitted
Number of contracts acquired
Service utilization and effectiveness measured via impact survey
Number of EV charging service models adopted per business
Participant revenue
Participant equity stake
Attendance records for EV kickstarter workshop
Attendance records for EV office hours
Business assessment and EV assessment
By integrating these strategies, we aim to not only attract a diverse range of participants but also build a community dedicated to driving the future of electric vehicle infrastructure. This outreach, recruitment, and marketing plan will lay the groundwork for a successful and impactful EV Charging Station Development Program.
Impact Story
“We owe much of our success to BECMA’s advocacy and Back Office Support Services program, which provided us with a crucial advantage that most startups at our stage don’t have access to,” said BT2 CEO Shonte Davidson.
Headquartered in Nubian Square and serving New England, the firm leans on each founder’s respective skills, as they have over 50 years of collective experience in clean energy industries. The business provides end-to-end consulting and turnkey energy installation services, with a specific focus on transportation electrification.
Since joining forces, BT2 has gained Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification from the Commonwealth, as well as Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) and MBE certification from the City of Boston.
They were recently awarded two contracts, including a project for EV charging stations from the City of Boston.
