CEJA Success Story: Ty Lewis
Elevate’s Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program was created through Illinois’ Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) to level the playing field for small businesses in the clean energy sector. For T&T Services, a Black‑owned environmental services and property preservation firm with more than two decades of experience, that mission is already taking shape.
Owner Ty Lewis knew his business had the expertise to compete, but not always the resources or connections needed to access larger opportunities. Through the incubator, he found the guidance, technical support, and industry networks that helped T&T strengthen its business foundation and step into new opportunities.
“This program embraces the underdogs,” Ty said. “Black and Brown communities have established businesses that can provide quality services, and this program puts us at the forefront. The incubator has helped us greatly by offering consulting services that would usually be unaffordable for us.”
The incubator is one of 14 hubs funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic (DCEO) through CEJA. Passed in September 2021, CEJA provides a roadmap to move Illinois to carbon-free power, expand energy efficiency and other cost-saving opportunities, and bring the benefits of the clean energy economy to all communities.
With support from Elevate and its partners, T&T secured additional certifications that will allow it to access more projects and acquire new leads for contracts. Ty worked with program coordinators to polish T&T’s capability statement, update its website, and improve processes for following up with prospective clients.
“They helped a lot with improving our strategies for staying in contact with clients and how to properly introduce ourselves as a company,” Ty explained.
One of T&T’s biggest challenges has always been bidding and estimating contracts, Ty said. Experts from the hub helped him navigate the process. With their help, T&T was able to secure multiple new contracts for upcoming projects and Ty developed new strategies for winning contracts independently.
He appreciated that the coursework was designed to fit seamlessly into his busy schedule, and that the program was flexible enough to accommodate his other responsibilities.
“The evening meetings were compatible with my team’s schedule,” Ty said. “And they didn’t hold missed days against us. It was easy to show up to the days that pertained the most to our business, and my staff and I learned a lot of helpful information.”
Through the incubator, Ty made connections with other business owners in the clean energy industry. He also met several local government officials who expressed interest in working with him on future projects.
“The hub helped us grow connections and increased the validity of our business,” Ty said. “When we met with aldermen, we felt prepared to explain what we do, and we had the certifications to prove it. The program really helped us polish our approach, especially when we reach out to government vendors.”
