Union County Review

A new training initiative at Kean University aims to empower diverse construction professionals in New Jersey. The program, known as Building for Growth, is offered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) in collaboration with the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and Kean University.

The launch event for this program took place on January 15 at Liberty Hall Academic Center. Key figures such as Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, and ICIC CEO Steve Grossman were present to welcome construction company owners and small business operators.

“This initiative is about creating opportunity, advancing access and driving innovation, and is a perfect fit for our role as an anchor institution,” said Repollet. “Building for Growth is more than a curriculum; it is an investment in people.”

Building for Growth was created by ICIC, a nonprofit organization focused on economic growth in under-resourced areas. It provides diverse business owners with training on business planning, finance fundamentals, marketing, and more.

This program has been available online nationwide and has trained over 200 business owners. Participants have reported significant increases in revenue and project sizes. The New Jersey version of the program will be the first state-specific offering and will include an 18-week hybrid course at Kean University.

“This important partnership will support women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses by providing mentoring opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in New Jersey’s construction industry,” stated First Lady Tammy Murphy.

In addition to classes, participants will receive mentorship from industry experts and technical assistance. NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan expressed his support: “Under Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s leadership... we are proud to partner with ICIC and Kean University to replicate these successes in the Garden State.”

Attendees of the kickoff event included contractors and engineering company owners eager to enhance their expertise through this program. Leon Davis from CheckMate Communications & Electric praised the curriculum's focus on business planning.

Patricia Titone of Mechanical Preservation Associates looked forward to networking opportunities within her field. Tami Brown of MilMad Real Estate Corporation expressed gratitude for the state's support of small businesses.

Roderick Smith of Blue Knights Construction also shared his enthusiasm: “I’m a pretty good project manager,” he said. “I want to grow my business.”