Survey existing and potential demand for energy efficiency products and services based on an understanding of policies, housing and energy characteristics, demographics, related initiatives and other market actors.

Define your business model, including market position, products and services, type of customers, financial model, governance structure, and the assets and infrastructure your organization needs.

Identify and engage organizational partners in your business model design.

Establish or update your organizational mission, vision, and goals to encompass energy efficiency programs.

Research and analyze the specific barriers, needs, and opportunities for a residential energy efficiency program in your community.

Establish relationships with organizations that can help deliver your program by enhancing your knowledge, resources, capabilities and access to customers and contractors.

Solidify your program strategy and decide which customers you will focus on; what products, services, and support you will provide; and how you will partner with contractors and others to deliver services to your customers.

Establish program goals and objectives to clarify what you want your program to achieve and to guide program design and implementation over time.