The following article was originally published in the Yakima Valley Business Times and written by Shelby Moore.
The Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) has launched an innovative program designed to provide vital resources and support to the construction industry. Partnering with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington, the Construction Business Accelerator Program (CBAP) aims to address construction sector challenges and foster local construction business growth.
The program, supported by a grant from the Community Reinvestment Plan through South Central Workforce (SCW), the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (WEDFA), and the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), is tailored to meet the needs of all types of construction businesses, whether they focus on infrastructure, industrial, commercial, or residential projects.
YCDA’s Bilingual Business Development Manager, Yani Cisneros, explains that the initiative emerged after several meetings with local business owners. “We listened to the construction community about their challenges, and we realized the need for a program that not only offers resources but also focuses on industry specific solutions,” Cisneros said, “This program will allow businesses to thrive by connecting them with the right partners, resources, and support systems.”
CBAP will include workshops, conferences, and other initiatives to help business owners overcome common obstacles, such as access to funding and administrative support. A survey conducted in both English and Spanish helped YCDA better understand the specific needs of local businesses and ensured that the newly develop program address concerns within the industry.
This initiative’s success follows in the footsteps of YCDA’s previous accelerator program, which supported the childcare sector in Yakima County. Cisneros is proud of the program’s positive impact on the local workforce and believes CBAP will yield similarly beneficial results for the construction industry.
For Cisneros, the program’s launch is a testament to the power of collaboration.
“The support from our partners has been instrumental,” she said, “When multiple organizations come together, they bring diverse strengths and expertise, ensuring the program’s success and sustainability.”
YCDA’s Economic Development Manage, Joe Schmitt, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives in creating a thriving economic ecosystem in Yakima County.
“Construction, agriculture, technology, and retail are all interdependent, and strengthening on sector has a ripple effect on others,” Schmitt said, “The Construction Business Accelerator Program is a great example of how we can strengthen local businesses and drive economic growth in our region.”
Schmitt also highlights the value of having a bilingual outreach coordinator like Cisneros, whose work has been crucial in expanding the program’s reach. “When you are serving a community where over half of the population speaks Spanish, it’s essential to have the right people in place to ensure that all businesses, regardless of their background, have access to the resources they need to succeed,” Schmitt noted.
The program will roll out in 2025 and offer a variety of workshops and sessions in English and Spanish. To get involved in this program, interested parties can contact YCDA at (509)575-1140 or visit their website at chooseyakimavalley.com for more information on the program under “Small Business Resources.”
Both Cisneros and Schmitt are optimistic about the potential of the Construction Business Accelerator Program to create lasting change.
“We want to ensure that every business owner in the construction industry has the tools they need to succeed,” Cisneros concluded. “Ultimately, this program is about fostering long-term growth and success for our community and economy.”