Details on $32.1 million available to help California businesses, nonprofits, and independent owner-operators with work trucks and small fleets transition to electric vehicles are among topics of this week’s free webinar presented by the Small Business Development Center at CSU Bakersfield.
Host and SBDC director, Kelly Bearden is joined by Michael Balstad, founder of Bizleavable, a firm that specializes in exit strategies for small business owners. Balstad recently partnered with Electrify California and shares details of the Innovative Small e-Fleet Pilot Program with $32.1 million available to help California businesses, nonprofits, and independent owner-operators with work trucks and small fleets transition to electrification through the help of vouchers and subsidies. Eligible fleet participants must have 20 or fewer vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 8,500 lbs.
Bob Meadows, director of training and community relations for Valley Strong Credit Union shares five business networking tips for 2025.
Bearden begins the webinar with available capital resources, a look at the economy, an update of current local and regional business-related issues, and more.
This marks the 330th episode of the weekly “Webinar Wednesday” business series that provides news and information helpful to employers and business owners.
The CSU Bakersfield SBDC provides free one-on-one consulting to help small business owners. New and existing businesses can sign up to meet with a business advisor at no cost by clicking here!
TIMESTAMPS - The bold blue link at below at 21:01 is a direct video link to when Michael Balstad begins his presentation on "Funding for CA Businesses to Help Small Fleets Transition to Electrification"
00:00 Intro
00:28 What’s up today December 18, 2024
02:49 Poll Question #1: “The small business optimism index jumped a whopping 8 points in November to 101.7. For 50 years, average has been 98. How many months was it under 98 before November when it jumped?”
05:52 Kelly introduces Bob Meadows, Director of Training and Community Relations, Valley Strong Credit Union https://www.valleystrong.com/
07:06 Bob Meadows begins his presentation: Networking Tips 5 for 2025
13:50 SBA Disaster and Recovery Program update on the Borel Fire
14:34 SBA Disaster Loan Limits https://lending.sba.gov/
15:44 Beneficial Ownership Information https://www.fincen.gov/boi
17:05 Capital Corridor - Finding Cash Within
17:22 Mine Your Business for Hidden Cash with Mike Milan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSPviFCHZ7w&t=1305s
17:32 Cash Flow Forecast Spreadsheet
18:28 SBDC tools to help your business succeed
18:43 CSUB SBDC YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@csubsbdc
19:01 CSUB SBDC and Vertical IQ
19:22 FREE Human Resources Hotline for Employers in CA
20:25 Kelly introduces Michael Balstad, founder of Bizleavable
23:22 The Challenge We Face
25:20 Let’s Dig into the Benefits
27:16 Up-Front Cost and Infrastructure
28:12 What if you could get the benefits of electrification without the challenges?
-Free evaluation of your fleet
-Turnkey electrification – no up-front costs
-Revenue generation – earn income through grid stabilization programs
32:35 Real Results from Real Businesses
-40 percent reduction in operational costs
-$10,000 per year in additional revenue through vehicle to grid programs
-Zero up-front investment required
34:00 How You Can Get Started Today
-Sign up for a free fleet assessment
-Develop your custom plan
-Electrify with confidence
-Complete Electrify California Contact Form to Begin the Process https://calasiancc.org/electrify-california/
38:05 Kelly rejoins Michael for discussion and Questions and Answers with webinar attendees
