Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses in the Energy Industry

The WBENC Energy Executive Program (EEP) is a highly interactive and immersive Executive Education experience designed to elevate entrepreneur and small business leaders within the Energy Industry. 

This signature WBENC program provides access to vital industry insights, high-impact connections, and strategic development opportunities – empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses to secure and expand their role in the evolving energy supply chain.

Upcoming Programs

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2025 EEP Cohort!

Apply by Friday, August 22, 2025

APPLY NOW

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Why Participate

Led by industry experts, this immersive curriculum explores key topics in: 

  • New Energies 
  • Upstream 
  • Midstream 
  • Downstream 
  • Chemicals 
  • More!
Benefits of Attending
  • Deepen your understanding of all segments of the energy industry 
  • Engage with leading corporate executives in the energy sector 
  • Foster meaningful connections with other business owners to encourage collaboration 
  • Explore the evolving energy landscape and its impact on business 
  • Strengthen your ability to create and deliver value to energy corporations and their customers
WBENC EEP is an excellent program that supports entrepreneurs at all stages, from startups to large enterprises. It provides hands-on learning, real-world examples, and valuable resources that equip serious business owners with tools, education, financial channels, and networking to drive success.
Briana Ferguson
President & CEO | IEE Solutions LLC
Briana Ferguson
The WBENC EEP Program surpassed my expectations. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with leaders from some of the world’s top energy companies. I especially enjoyed connecting with fellow leaders in the industry and gaining insights from their expertise. I would encourage anyone considering this program to take advantage of the opportunity.
Shay Dunne
Founder & CEO | Alignegy
Shay Dunne
I’m incredibly grateful for how WBENC continues to open doors for my companies, ARAZ Systems and ARAZ Fuel Systems. Participating in the WBENC Energy Executive Program (EEP) was a game changer, providing in-depth insights into the energy industry, market strategies, and supply chain dynamics. The opportunity to engage with industry leaders, executives, and marketing professionals was invaluable and offered practical knowledge I’ve already applied to scale my business. I’ve embraced their feedback, made meaningful changes, and seen positive results. The combination of the EEP and WBENC experiences has given me access to opportunities that, as a small, minority, woman-owned business, I might not have otherwise had. I’m truly thankful for that.
Caroline Caylor
CEO | ARAZ Systems & ARAZ Fuel Systems
Caroline Caylor
The WBENC Energy Executive Program (EEP) is powerful because we not only learn about the Energy Industry, but it has also allowed Bocci to meet and foster opportunities with other business owners. WBENC and EEP has helped to create an environment where that can happen.
Lianne Lami
Founder & CEO, Bocci Engineering
Lianne Lami
Schedule

Virtual Sessions (Zoom):

  • Thursday, Sept. 18 from 1-4 PM ET
  • Thursday, Oct. 2*
  • Thursday, Oct. 16*
  • Thursday, Oct. 30*
  • Thursday, Nov. 13*

*Virtual sessions hosted from 1-3 PM ET

In-Person Dates | On-site (Houston, TX):

  • Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
Who Should Apply
  • Must be the majority owner of the company 
  • Have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience operating a business 
  • Maintain a minimum annual sales volume of $1,000,000 
  • Provide goods or services applicable to the Energy Industry 

Please note that if a selected business owner cancels after enrollment or does not successfully complete the course they will be required to pay $1,500 to WBENC to cover the pre-paid cost for their participation in program.

More Information
Can I sign up and attend each session individually?

This hybrid program provides a cumulative learning experience. Therefore, we ask that you plan to attend all virtual sessions AND the 3 days on site in Houston, TX.

 

 

I am not currently supplying to the Energy Industry, but would like to, is this program for me?

This program is a great fit for both existing suppliers to the Energy Industry who are looking to grow their businesses to better serve the industry AND suppliers who service similar industries and are interested in expanding to the Energy Industry.

 

 

I am not comfortable traveling/attending the in-person portion, can I attend all sessions virtually?

The in-person portion of this program is very active and has hands on activities that would not be as value to offer virtually, therefore, if you are unable to attend all sessions (both in person and virtual) we suggest that you wait to apply for a future cohort.

 

 

Scholarships, Lodging and Transportation

Scholarships and lodging costs are covered for selected participants. Participants will be required to provide own transportation to Houston area site. Outside of airfare, participants will not be required to pay any fees unless they cancel after acceptance or do not successfully complete the program requirements.

 

 

 

Cancellation Policy

If a participant cancels after acceptance or does not successfully complete the course they will be required to pay $1,500 to WBENC to cover the pre-paid cost for their participation in program.

 

 

Contact Information

Contact the program lead, Andrea Castillo Strickman, at astrickman@wbenc.org.

 

 

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