TAD Overview and Requirements

This intensive free training program will teach participants more about:

• Earning diverse and industry certifications 
• Energy efficiency expansion 
• Creating a business growth plan 
• Additional development opportunities 
• Business marketing success 

To be considered for the TAD program, a contractor business must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Operate as a contractor for at least two years in one of the following trades:      
  • General contracting (natural gas experience required)
  • Weatherization/Building Science
  • HVAC (natural gas experience required)  
  • Mechanical, structural or civil engineering (building systems and natural gas experience required)  
  • Plumbing/hydronics
• Licensed, insured and in good standing with the state of Illinois 
• Committed to attending training webinars and regular one-on-one business coaching sessions

Applications for the 2024 Trade Ally Development Program are now closed. Please check back in 2025 for more information!

Business Training and Development Workshops

TAD will offer participants virtual workshops, one-on-one office support and networking with industry experts and professionals. The training curriculum will focus on the following topics, however, these topics are subject to change to maintain business relevancy and quality service to participants.

Phase I: Training and Development

• Orientation and Introduction to Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
• Overview of Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Portfolio
• Deep Dive - Nicor Gas Trade Ally Network
• Business Planning for Growth in Energy Efficiency
• Project Financing - Marketing and Diverse Supplier Certification
• Understanding the Whole Home Approach to Energy Efficiency
• Marketing and Lead Development
• Five S' of Business Optimization

 

Phase II: Back-Office Support & Business Coaching

• One-on-One Business Coaching
• Back-office Assessments & Action Plan Implementation
• Energy Efficiency Project Identification and Completion
• Continued Program & Project Support
• Graduation

All training workshops will be facilitated virtually. Workshop times will be scheduled with an emphasis on minimum disruption to ordinary business operations and will be kept to a maximum of two hours per session.