Barancik Foundation Awards CareerEdge $150,000

October 12, 2022 – Sarasota

CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will continue its workforce efforts thanks to a $150,000 grant from The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

CareerEdge will use the grant funds to assist local employers with upskilling their workforce, as well as subsidize salaries for employees taking part in on-the-job trainings or internships. Funding will also be used to deploy fast track trainings for community members through its Bridges to Careers program. Fast-Track training is a way for employers to quickly fill in-demand job openings while offering rapid credentialing and certifications critical within the industry. 

“CareerEdge performs an even more critical role in a tough hiring environment like this one,” said Teri A Hansen, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation president and CEO. “We are now finding ourselves helping our nonprofit partners hang on to their existing employees more than helping them expand. CareerEdge’s training support can help a business do the same thing, and strong philanthropy is supported by a strong local economy.”

Since 2010, CareerEdge has invested over $14.4M in regional workforce development in collaboration with employer partners, resulting in the training and advancement of more than 6,600 workers.

“Career Edge is honored to receive this investment from the Barancik Foundation,” said Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. “This funding is critical in supporting our mission of creating lasting impact within our community by creating opportunities for individuals to step into higher wage careers. We are incredibly grateful for the Barancik Foundation’s continued generosity and support.”