Our First Small Business EV Launchpad Cohort Takes Off!
On November 13th and 14th, 2025, Breaking Barriers Collaborative partnered with Tabor 100 on the in-person event that kicked off the first cohort of the Small Business EV Launchpad. Nine small businesses from around the Puget Sound including Metier Brewing, Marjorie, Complete Driving Experience, and Noah's Truck joined for an event filled with expert information, EV demos, and networking. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Personalized consulting & training from subject matter experts
Launchpad participants jumped into a packed curriculum covering infrastructure build-out, available vehicles, and more. Just a few of the key topics covered:
Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, and Tacoma Public Utilities joined the Launchpad, providing the cohort with the early information they need to plan reliable charging infrastructure and find incentives.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency joined to speak about how small businesses can equip themselves with the financial support they need on their electrification journey. Attendees were able to learn about funding opportunities specifically for BIPOC-owned businesses. PSCAA is also completing a grant for each participating business.
Michael Graham, founder of the clean fleet consulting company Sapien, worked with all of the businesses individually to get them started on their electrification plans.
2. Ride and Drive
Talking about EVs is one thing, but experiencing them firsthand is another. During the Launchpad event, attendees got to participate in a Ride and Drive, where Range and ZEV Co-op brought EVs that participants could examine and drive around. People were excited about how seamless, easy-to-drive, and quiet the vehicles were.
3. Building a network
The event was also a great opportunity for small businesses from different industries to come together with a shared goal of jumpstarting their EV journeys. Two participants who are both located in Seattle’s Central District even began exploring options for collaborating on an EV charging project. Beyond learning useful skills, the program is meant for moments like this—participants realizing they are not alone in their journeys, and sparking new connections with other organizations.
4. Launching ongoing support
November’s in-person event was just the beginning for the Launchpad cohort. They will continue to receive six months of 1:1 consulting to support them in completing their electrification plans, securing funding, purchasing EVs, and more.
The kickoff of the Small Business EV Launchpad was a powerful event filled with everything we had hoped: important resources, numerous learning opportunities, interesting conversations, and a new path for small businesses looking to electrify their fleets.
What is the Small Business EV Launchpad?
The Small Business EV Launchpad is a cohort-based training program that simplifies the transition to electric vehicles for small businesses in Washington State. The program is designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses with 10 vehicles or fewer, with an emphasis on serving BIPOC-owned businesses.
We’re excited to be planning more programming for small businesses in 2026! If your business is interested in joining or you just want to learn more, reach out and we’ll get in touch!
