CareerEdge Earns Big Investment to Strengthen Local Workforce Development

August 28, 2024 | Sarasota

CareerEdge and Opportunities For All, the workforce and minority-owned business development initiatives led by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, have been awarded a significant grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. 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.

The grant will be strategically channeled toward implementing demand-driven solutions that align with the evolving needs of the regional 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. The support will enhance CareerEdge’s ability to empower individuals with relevant skills and ensure they are well prepared to excel in their careers, ultimately fostering economic growth within the community.

Since its inception in 2010, CareerEdge and its employer partners have invested $17.1 million, providing trainings for 7,655 workers, resulting in 1,646 promotions, 4,951 raises, and $40 million in workers’ aggregate annual earnings. In 2023 alone, CareerEdge invested $1.5 million in workforce development, $1.7 million in added wages, trained 461 workers, created 100 new jobs, provided 182 new employment opportunities, and helped workers earn 344 new certifications.

Additionally, 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. Since 2021, Opportunities for All has supported 82 minority-owned small businesses through grant funding. Additionally, the program has placed 95 students with local employers in meaningful internship experiences, empowering these students by fostering relationships, mentorships, educational opportunities, and future employment.

“The Chamber is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Barancik Foundation to strengthen our region’s workforce,” said Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development. “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.”