March 13th, 2023
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced a four-year, $1 million investment to enhance workforce development through the Ibero-American Action League’s Workforce and Entrepreneurial Connections Program. The program provides workforce training, job placement and support services for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). The funding is from the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) newly created workforce development fund and is part of the COMIDA’s modernization initiative.
“Workforce development is key to our community’s recovery and growth, especially as we Bring Monroe Back from the economic hardships brought on by the COVID pandemic,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to our partners in COMIDA and Ibero for creating new economic opportunities for our neighbors and strengthening our local economy.”
The Workforce and Entrepreneurial Connections Program – housed in Ibero’s Community Resource Center at 216 Clifford Ave, Rochester – provides case management services, job readiness programming, employment navigation, placement, and entrepreneurship technical assistance. COMIDA’s investment will allow Ibero to expand current programs and assist even more entrepreneurs and job seekers.
“COMIDA knows the importance of investing in our MWBEs and local workforce to build a strong and equitable economy in Monroe County,” said COMIDA board chair Ann Burr. “Thank you to County Executive Bello and his leadership for making this investment possible. We are proud to support Ibero and their incredible workforce development programs.”
“The funds provided by COMIDA will ensure that Latinos and other marginalized communities are be able to share in the county’s economic opportunities,” said Angelica Perez-Delgado, President and CEO of Ibero. “By helping Ibero build capacity to implement sustainable workforce development programs, COMIDA’s investment will help prepare Latino workers and small business owners for the opportunities of today and the future.”
The funding will support Ibero’s three focus areas: job training, direct job placements with companies including Charter Communications, Elite Home Health Care, Blossom Care and Venture Forth; community health worker training and apprenticeships; training and support services for MWBEs, including hands-on business planning, one-on-one coaching and classroom training.
