The program will also focus on intense technical and human capital enhancement, said the company, enabling participating businesses to qualify for a working capital loan through UBIZ Venture Capital operated through the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center.
The Construction Accelerator Program is targeting MBE-certified businesses in the construction industry who are in the growth or expansion phase, in business for at least three years, and meet a pre-determined minimum annual revenue threshold, in addition to other criteria, said Sherwin-Williams.
Participating business owners will move through ULGC’s UBIZ Accelerator Curriculum, helping to transform their business infrastructure and operations for success and sustainable growth.
Upon completion of the program curriculum, graduates of the CAP program will be eligible to apply for the Access to Capital and Credit Enhancement Plan, a working capital loan through UBIZ Venture Capital or its investment partners.
“Cleveland needs programs that ensure opportunities for employment of its residents, as well as growth opportunities for its minority and female-owned enterprises,” said Tyson Mitchell, recently named director of the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) for the City of Cleveland.
“We commend The Sherwin-Williams Foundation and ULGC for joining forces to establish this new program. Their joint initiative is strongly aligned with the City and the OEO’s mission, and we’re encouraged by the workforce pipeline the CAP creates for projects today and into the future,” said Mitchell.
The CAP is designed to incorporate strategies that will strengthen, accelerate and position businesses for next-level engagement in construction projects.
Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Cleveland, The Sherwin-Williams Company manufactures, develops, distributes, and sells paint, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers.