County Invests $1 Million into Ibero-American Action League to Boost Workforce Development

Monroe County announced, Monday, a $1 million investment to Ibero-American Action League to build up workforce development through their Workforce and Entrepreneurial Connections Program.

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 Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.

The Workforce and Entrepreneurial Connections Program, a four-year program, will provide workforce training, job placement and support services for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).

Bello said he thanks COMIDA and Ibero for creating new economic opportunities for our neighbors and strengthening our local economy.”

The program will be housed in Ibero’s Community Resource Center at 216 Clifford Ave, Rochester. The agency will provide case management services, job readiness programming, employment navigation, placement and entrepreneurship technical assistance.

The investment will allow Ibero to expand current programs and assist even more entrepreneurs and job seekers.

“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,” said Angelica Perez-Delgado, President and CEO of Ibero.

Perez-Delgado said the funds provided by COMIDA will ensure that Latinos and other marginalized communities are able to share in the county’s economic opportunities.

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.

“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.

For further information visit, https://www.ibero.org/crc.