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Who You Gonna Call When the Lights Go Off?
Craig Jacomine does not waste a second. Whether he’s installing a generator, conducting a fire safety class, donating blood, or accepting an award as one of the Top 100 Generac Dealers in the United States, his entrepreneurial energy is electrifying. So, it wasn’t unusual to find him wide-awake at 3 a.m. reviewing business news on Facebook when he noticed Shell’s post advertising the first Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator program. Within minutes he was filling out an application, within a month he was participating in an interview, and today he is a Shell LiveWIRE graduate.
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Jacomine credits the Shell LiveWIRE Accelerator program as a pivotal factor in his company’s growth. A little over three years ago, he did small electrical and generator jobs in addition to his full-time day job.
His confidence in taking a risk, an innate drive to be the best he can be, the timing of Hurricane Ida, and pandemic supply chain issues changed his way of working from part-time to full-time business owner.
The founder and owner of Craig’s Electrical & Generator Service, Jacomine is one of 25 in Shell’s first 2023 Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana program. “Shell LiveWIRE is a free business accelerator program to help entrepreneurs and small businesses sustain and grow,” explains Becky Cooper, Shell US Social Investment Advisor. Cooper went on to say, “Shell LiveWIRE fuels the entrepreneurial spirit with a six-week intensive training program, networking opportunities, and a range of resources.
The Accelerator’s objective is to empower businesses from various fields and welcomes applicants from diverse sectors. A wide range of businesses can lead to a more vibrant and thriving community, offering residents a variety of goods and services. By extending the program to different sectors, you promote community development that fosters an environment that allows entrepreneurship to thrive.”
Without the [Shell] LiveWIRE lifeline, the dream of Craig’s Electrical might have remained just that – a dream...fortunately, Shell’s small business accelerator program came to my aid when I needed it most.
Craig Jacomine, founder and owner, Craig's Electrical & Generator Service
“Without the [Shell] LiveWIRE lifeline, the dream of Craig’s Electrical might have remained just that – a dream,” Jacomine states. “Although I had a vision and expertise in the electrical and generator industry, I faced numerous challenges and choices during the early stages of business.” Today, Craig’s Electrical is 40 employees strong and offers residential, commercial, and industrial generator installation, service, warranty, and repairs on a national basis. The company has been honored with numerous business awards and community service recognition.
“Fortunately, Shell’s small business accelerator program came to my aid when I needed it most,” he says. “The support I received regarding assistance, mentorship, and resources played a crucial role in helping me overcome obstacles, take advantage of opportunities and achieve milestones. The program helped transform Craig’s Electrical from a small startup into a thriving business. Recently, we were able to expand our facility in Kenner with an additional expansion coming soon. The evolution of Craig’s Electrical is one of my proudest achievements.”
While Jacomine takes pride in his business success, he is paying it forward.
Acknowledging the support of Shell and others who have encouraged him, he regularly gives back to local communities. Craig’s Electrical is an active participant in St. Charles Parish Public Schools Partner in Education program; he volunteers time and equipment to area municipalities during power outages; he organizes and promotes hurricane preparation workshops and is known to have a generous heart when it comes to helping others when the lights go off.
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Overview: Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator Program
Get the support you need to strengthen your business and reach the next growth step. The Shell LiveWIRE Accelerator is a comprehensive business support program for entrepreneurs.