Sherwin-Williams is committed to supporting the economic growth of the Hispanic business community. That’s one reason why The Sherwin-Williams Foundation has collaborated with the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development (NEOHCED).
This year, the foundation is expanding its commitment to NEOHCED, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, education and outreach related to small business owners and entrepreneurs, with a special focus on Hispanic-owned businesses and professionals throughout the region. NEOHCED works with individuals from all communities to help them start new or grow existing businesses.
The enhanced commitment includes significant community investments that will support economic impact through job creation and retention, as well as business development. These include:
- Expand the Latino Construction Capacity Initiative (LCCI), which aims to aid underrepresented contractors with training support, technical assistance and coaching. The goal of LCCI is to increase the capacity and utilization of the Latino and underrepresented workforce, as well as small businesses in the residential and commercial construction industry. Contractors interested in participating can apply here.
- Provide capital investment in CentroVilla25, an adaptive reuse of a warehouse located in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood, the heart of Cleveland’s Latino community. The development will provide accessible leasable space combined with wraparound business support to help minority business owners contribute to the regional economic development.
- Sponsored the Construction Opportunities Fair designed to elevate the visibility of minorities in construction and building trades by connecting them with educational resources and providing business support services, including a workforce track for individuals seeking employment in the construction trades.
“The Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development is thrilled to expand our partnership with The Sherwin-Williams Foundation as the funded activities align with our mission to deliver economic and entrepreneurial technical assistance, training, and advocacy to Cleveland’s Latino and other underserved communities,” says Jenice Contreras, NEOHCED Executive Director.
“Hispanics are the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. and as such it is vital that we offer programs and activities designed to further advance access to services that allow these businesses to launch, grow and flourish.”
As chair of the Workforce, Education, Training and Youth Development Committee on the Cleveland City Council, Jasmin Santana says she is thrilled to see Sherwin-Williams expanding support and partnership for NEOHCED.
“The enhanced funding will focus on providing Hispanic business owners and other underrepresented groups access to space and business support, while bolstering training and technical assistance,” she says. “City Council is committed to increasing and expanding small business ownership, as well as job opportunities for Latinos, women and people of color. This work by NEOHCED helps us reach that goal.”
This community investment reflects one of the three priorities of The Sherwin-Williams Foundation’s mission, says John Morikis, President of the foundation, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sherwin-Williams Company – to advance a skilled workforce that sustains inclusive, vibrant communities and underscores an important business strategy for deliberate outreach and continued engagement with minority communities.
“This high-impact community investment will provide services to build capacity for contractors as well as support services and opportunities for the community,” he says.
This article was published in the Summer 2023 issue of Pintor Pro magazine. ©2023 Randall Reilly. Learn more about Sherwin-Williams community engagement efforts.
