Certified Technical Business Leader (CTBL)
Operating a business is difficult, especially if you are planning to transition from a field role to owner-operator. Business owners must be adequately equipped with the leadership tools to be successful; for example, communication abilities, emotional intelligence, budget management, marketing management, client focus, and the importance of setting and utilizing data forecasting to set expectations internally and externally. As a business leader, you can inspire high-performing teams and become the leader others want to follow!
Timeline: A 5-week hybrid program for tradespeople looking to start or grow their businesses, combining leadership with entrepreneurial skills tailored to technical/trades industries.
Target Audience: Skilled tradespeople (e.g., plumbers, electricians, contractors) planning to launch or expand their own firms.
Key Skills:
Develop communication and collaboration skills to align office and field teams.
Emotional Intelligence awareness and understanding
Apply leadership strategies to manage projects, teams, and stakeholders across both settings.
Foster a unified team culture to improve project outcomes and workplace efficiency
Business planning and financial management for small trade businesses.
Leading and hiring small teams or subcontractors.
Client relationship management and bidding for contracts.
Marketing and branding for trades businesses.
Benefits:
Empowers tradespeople to become successful business owners, increasing income potential.
Provides practical tools for managing finances and winning contracts.
Builds a network of entrepreneurial peers through the academy’s alumni community.
Delivery: Hybrid with in-person networking events and online modules on business tools (e.g., QuickBooks for contractors).
Certification Requirement: Develop a business plan and pitch it to a panel of business leaders.



