SARASOTA — The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation is assisting CareerEdge and Opportunities For All with a “significant grant” for its Fast-Track programs.
CareerEdge, Opportunities For All are initiatives of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce to help minority-owned businesses and the region’s workforce, according to a news release.
“The funding will be used to assist unemployed and underemployed individuals who have been unable to earn livable wages in gaining the skills and credentials they need to launch their careers and support their families,” a news release stated.
The news release noted it will be used for “demand-driven solutions” to assist needs of the region’s job market.
“CareerEdge plans to leverage these resources to enhance its Fast-Track training programs, on-the-job training initiatives, internship reimbursement programs, and employer-driven upskilling endeavors,” it stated.
That should enhance its “ability to empower individuals with relevant skills and ensure they are well prepared to excel in their careers,” which, in turn, will assist the region’s economic growth, it stated.
“The Chamber is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Barancik Foundation to strengthen our region’s workforce,” CareerEdge & Economic Development Vice President Dan Sidler said. “This investment in our programs enables us to provide even greater support to our community’s workers and entrepreneurs. By expanding access to workforce and small business initiatives, we are helping to enhance financial stability and foster future career growth for all.”
CareerEdge and its partners have invested more than $17 million for training since it began in 2010, it stated. That investment has resulted in $40 million in aggregate annual earnings for workers from 1,646 promotions among 7,655 employees who have earned 4,951 raises, it stated.
“The grant will continue Baranick Foundation support for the two main components of Opportunities For All — a summer-internship program and business-assistance funds to help minority small-business owners and nonprofit organizations grow and thrive,” it stated. “Since 2021, Opportunities for All has supported 82 minority-owned small businesses through grant funding.”
For more information, call (941) 955-8187 or visit www.sarasotachamber.com
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