CEJA Success Story: Billy Williams

Billy Williams watched his father build a successful full-service electric business and worked alongside him for nearly 30 years. When his father passed away a few years ago, Billy honored his dad’s legacy by starting Artisan Electric in 2024.  

Drawing on everything he learned, Billy used the launch of Artisan Electric as an opportunity to expand into clean‑energy solutions. He brought solar and EV infrastructure into the heart of his company, positioning the business for the future of the industry, with the hope that his own son will one day take over the family business.  

As he looked for ways to strengthen this new iteration of his family’s multi-generational business, Billy turned to Elevate’s CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program for training and resources.  

“The program has been great from the moment I stepped in the door,” Billy said. “My business feels more complete as I walk away, and I feel like I can continue to get my work done, keep my customers happy, and actually grow.”   

The Incubator is one of 14 hubs funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (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.    

As part of CEJA’s workforce training and contractor support ecosystem, the CEJA Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program helps contractors and nonprofits grow their businesses to meet demand for clean energy technologies and services. 

At first, Billy signed up because he wanted to get new certifications for his business. But after just a few sessions, he learned there was so much more he could do to strengthen his company.  

“When I actually joined the program, it showed me so many new things that I had no clue I could be doing,” Billy said. “Even though I finished, I want to go through it again just in case there’s something I missed.”  

Through the incubator, Billy participated in trainings that covered everything from safety standards and solar installation to financial literacy and website development. Although most of the class meetings were scheduled for about two hours, he said he often stayed much longer because the conversations they had, felt so relevant to his business.  

He credits the instructors for cultivating an empowering environment and said they made every topic easy to understand and never hesitated to walk participants through even the most complicated processes. 

“In clean energy, everything is always evolving and changing,” Billy explained. “There’s always something new that’s hitting the electric market. They gave my company the right training to be able to go out and get those contracts.” 

Since finishing the program and securing an array of new certifications, Artisan Electric’s revenue has increased significantly, and the company receives new bids every day. The growth has been so overwhelming rapid that Billy plans to hire new employees and has already connected with an apprenticeship program to begin the hiring process.  

“They gave me the knowledge to be able to walk away knowing I can bid on contracts with confidence,” Billy said. “They helped me get my certifications, get my insurance together, get my business credit together. It made my business feel more complete.” 

Billy also appreciated the connections he made during his time in the incubator. He was introduced to government entities, large construction firms, and other small business owners. Billy is now working with a multi-billion-dollar firm that he met through the program.  

“Once you leave this program, there’s no reason you should fail,” Billy said. “They give you everything and you just have to give your time. You have to give up your evenings, but what they’re giving you is worth so much more.” 

As Artisan Electric continues to grow, Billy said he looks forward to sharing everything he’s learned with the next generation. He’s proud to be part of creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for his son and a flourishing business for him to carry forward.  

“I’m excited to pull my son in and be a mentor to other young men that want to join the field,” Billy said. “This entire program has been a blessing. My business has grown so much more than I ever could’ve expected.”