Bilingual Support Creates Access for More Entrepreneurs
OMAHA, Neb., September 16, 2021 – The Greater Omaha Chamber’s bilingual extension of its construction-focused, capacity-building REACH program for small and emerging businesses is now serving the Omaha community. This expansion builds on the seven-years of success the REACH program has had empowering entrepreneurs to scale their business.
“We know this will open up new opportunities for more business owners. By removing language barriers to our program, more entrepreneurs can learn the skills they need to be successful,” said Winsley Durand, executive director of the REACH program. “We’re here to provide assistance that helps small contractors grow and share in Omaha’s continuing economic prosperity.”
In 2020, the REACH program served more than 200 businesses with more than 2,800 hours of technical assistance and consulting. The result of that time was $7.45 million dollars in direct contracts for REACH participants. The bulk of that assistance was focused on minority business owners, with 51% of the assistance provided to Black entrepreneurs, and 29% to Latino-owned businesses.
The Spanish-language program has an office in the Metropolitan Community College (MCC) South Express location on 24th and Vinton. This further solidifies a strong programmatic partnership with MCC, who hosts REACH education program, including a comprehensive 10-week certificate course.
“We can’t wait to continue growing our successful entrepreneurs” said Durand. “More contractors means more capacity. Small and emerging businesses are the engine of our region’s future growth.”
About the Greater Omaha Chamber
The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration.