JCB Launches Be Your Own Boss Program to Empower Hispanic Construction Entrepreneurs
JCB, one of the world’s largest independently owned manufacturers of construction equipment, today announced the launch of Be Your Own Boss (Sé Tu Propio Patrón), a program designed to provide Hispanic construction professionals with the tools, training, and financial resources needed to launch and grow their own construction businesses. The initiative represents a significant step in fostering diversity, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment within the construction industry.
“With Be Your Own Boss, we’re not just selling equipment; we’re investing in people who are essential to the construction industry,” said Marc-André Dubois, Vice President of Marketing at JCB North America. “This program reflects our long-term commitment to helping hardworking Hispanic professionals transform their experience and determination into successful, sustainable businesses.”
Addressing a Critical Gap in the Industry
Hispanic workers play a vital role in the U.S. construction industry, making up roughly one-third of the national workforce. In key states like Texas, California, and Florida, they represent more than half of construction employees. Despite their significant contributions, many face challenges when attempting to establish their own businesses, including limited access to financing, business training, and professional networks.
A report by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute found that 70% of Hispanic entrepreneurs rely on personal savings to fund their ventures. For many, the lack of sufficient savings remains the primary barrier to business ownership. Furthermore, according to the Hispanic Construction Council, 90% of Hispanic construction firms lack adequate support from traditional banks, making it difficult to access loans, credit, or other essential financial products needed to grow a business.
Be Your Own Boss was developed specifically to address these challenges, providing tailored solutions to help Hispanic construction professionals turn ambition into ownership and long-term success.
Comprehensive Support for Entrepreneurs
The program offers a range of resources designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and capital required to successfully run a construction business. Key elements include:
- Bilingual Resources: All program materials and coaching are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
- Business Coaching: Participants receive guidance on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, operational efficiency, and customer relationship management.
- Initial Capital: Funding options help cover startup costs such as equipment, materials, and staffing.
- Customized Financing: Special financing options are available for ITIN holders and first-time business owners, breaking down traditional barriers to accessing credit.
- Dealer Connections: Participants gain direct access to trusted JCB dealers nationwide, facilitating easier procurement of essential construction equipment and ongoing support.
By combining financial support, practical training, and access to a network of industry experts, Be Your Own Boss aims to create a pathway for Hispanic professionals to transition from skilled laborers to successful business owners.
Empowering the Community
“Hispanics have built the homes, roads, and cities of America – it’s time we also build our own legacy,” said Sergio Terreros, President of the National Hispanic Contractors Association. “Thanks to JCB for launching this visionary program that empowers our community to shift from workers to owners, from doing the job to leading the business. This is how we create opportunity, pride, and generational success.”
The program’s launch is part of a broader effort to strengthen the role of minority-owned businesses in the construction sector, fostering economic inclusion and enabling long-term growth for both participants and the communities they serve.
JCB’s Continued Commitment to Growth and the U.S. Workforce
The launch of Be Your Own Boss coincides with JCB’s continued investment in the United States, highlighted by its new $500 million, 1-million-square-foot facility in San Antonio, Texas. This expansion reflects JCB’s long-term vision to grow its U.S. footprint while simultaneously supporting local economies and empowering the workforce that drives the construction industry forward.
“I have firsthand experience in the opportunities JCB provides as this global company has given me the tools and resources to help launch this powerful program for my fellow Hispanics,” added Roniel Rivera-Garcia, spokesperson for JCB’s Be Your Own Boss. “Through Be Your Own Boss, we’re proud to be a true partner in progress, breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for the construction industry.”
Building a Sustainable Future
The program emphasizes long-term success, equipping participants not only to start their businesses but also to sustain and scale them over time. By addressing financial, operational, and educational gaps, Be Your Own Boss empowers Hispanic professionals to achieve economic independence, professional recognition, and generational impact.
Through mentorship, training, and community engagement, participants gain access to the knowledge, resources, and networks necessary to compete in the construction industry at a high level. This holistic approach ensures that business owners are prepared to manage projects efficiently, maintain financial stability, and expand their operations strategically.
JCB’s Be Your Own Boss (Sé Tu Propio Patrón) program represents a bold step toward inclusivity, economic empowerment, and entrepreneurial growth within the U.S. construction sector. By providing Hispanic construction professionals with the tools, training, financial resources, and mentorship needed to launch and grow their own businesses, JCB is helping to break down barriers and create pathways to long-term success.
Through this initiative, JCB demonstrates that its commitment goes beyond manufacturing and selling world-class construction equipment; the company is also dedicated to investing in people, communities, and the future of the industry. Be Your Own Boss ensures that more Hispanic professionals have the opportunity to shift from being contributors in the workforce to leaders of their own construction businesses, creating opportunity, pride, and sustainable growth for generations to come.
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