Creating more economic opportunities for minority entrepreneurs is one of the goals of the partners in Advance Northeast Ohio and the Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+, in particular, is working hard to help minority-owned businesses land substantial new contracts. The following is another example of the accelerator's growing list of succeesses:
John W. Todd and Associates (JWT&A), a construction management, general and carpentry contracting business, has its roots in family tradition. John Todd, Sr., a master plasterer with Plasterers Union Local 80, passed his knowledge and skills to his son, John W. Todd, Jr., (photo left) who founded the company in 2005 and is now working with the Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+ to grow the business.
JWT&A recently landed three contracts with University Hospitals-as a subcontractor to Ozanne Construction Company on the new Quentin and Elisabeth Alexander Neonatal Intensive Care Unit project at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital; a deal as a carpentry contractor (performing metal studs, acoustical ceiling and drywall) for the new Ajuha Medical Center at Chagrin Highlands; and as a subcontractor with Acme Arsena on the new cancer hospital to be located at UH Case Medical Center.
The MBAccelerator 2.5+ provided financial backing that helped Todd secure a line of credit with ShoreBank. "The door is opening for minority companies to get contracts," says Todd, "but we need operating capital to get projects up and running."
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