Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Contractor…

Active Research Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Contractor Research Project

About the Pilot

Background
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Contractor Research project is investigating the current status of DBE contractor participation and developing recommendations to remove barriers to participating in Focus on Energy. The research will consider minority-, women-, and veteran-owned business that provide services in Wisconsin within the energy-related fields, like lighting, HVAC, and building insulation. The first step is uncovering participating and nonparticipating contractors, who are either certified DBEs or meet the requirements to obtain certification. Feedback will be collected through surveys and focus groups. Using this data, a roadmap of best practices and recommendations will be developed to encourage participation in Focus on Energy.

Project Timeline
January 2025 – January 2026

Sector
Trade Allies

Research Objectives
This research project will answer the following questions:
• Who are the DBEs providing energy-related services in Wisconsin? How many have or
currently participate in Focus on Energy?
• What barriers prevent DBEs from participating in Focus on Energy? Where are the gaps in
available training or resources?
• What steps can Focus on Energy take to deploy resources and improve participation from
DBEs?

Pilot Updates
Researchers will begin soliciting feedback from identified contractors in June 2025.

Get Involved
This research would not be possible without valuable input from contractors serving Wisconsin. Recruitment is underway for contractors with DBE certification or whose businesses are majority owned (51% or more) by a DBE-classified group (women, minority, and/or veteran). Contractors may be asked to participate in an online survey, a one-on-one interview (virtual), or a focus group (in-person or virtual).

Interested contractors should contact Focus on Energy at business@focusonenergy.com or by calling 800.762.7077.