University of Kentucky kicks off fourth cohort of Construction Business Accelerator
The University of Kentucky and Turner Construction welcomed 20 businesses to the fourth cohort of the Construction Business Accelerator (CBA) program during a reception and first session held March 4 at the UK Cornerstone.
The 10-week program is designed to equip local construction-related businesses with the skills and tools necessary to compete in the industry. Participants receive training in key areas such as safety, site logistics, insurance, bonding, contracts, subcontracting, estimating, scheduling, construction accounting, and bid preparation. The program culminates in a mock bid project, where teams take part in a post-bid review with a panel of expert evaluators.
“It is hard to believe this is the fourth cohort for the CBA. Each year we measure the outcomes and impact of the program not just with metrics but by the personal relationships that are developed,” said Marilyn Clark, economic engagement manager at UK. “Many of the companies are working together on projects as a result of meeting in this program. We are so grateful for the staff at the University of Kentucky, the professional team at Turner Construction, and the many community partners for dedicating their time and talent to making this program a success. Our shared vision is to grow sustainable businesses to advance Kentucky’s economic future.”
The businesses in the fourth cohort include ACE Consulting, Elaine Allen LLC, J&G Construction, Julie Collins Consulting Arborist & Tree Health Services LLC, K Construction LLC, KRC Roofing and Construction, Marceline Construction and Design LLC, Nolan Construction LLC, Plsix Porta Potty Rentals LLC, Portable Solutions Group, Redemption Solar and Roofing, Scruggs Construction Inc., Sunny’s Plumbing Solutions Inc., Turing Construction, Vertical IQ Consultants, and Woolfork Consulting LLC.
This year’s cohort features a family-owned business focused on succession planning, with a father sending his son for training. Additionally, two companies—Elaine Allen LLC and ACE Consulting—have enrolled employees for professional development.
For the first time, student members of the Engineering Student AGC (American General Contractors) club have been invited to attend sessions. Five students will participate in person each week, while others will join virtually via Teams. A notable addition to this year’s program is a private plan room at Lynn Imaging, where participants can access project documents, addendums, drawings, and plans. The final project will focus on constructing a greenhouse as part of a Turner-led construction project on campus.
Several community partners are supporting the program, including Blue Grass Airport, Commerce Lexington, Fayette County Public Schools, Kentucky APEX Accelerator, the City of Lexington, the Human Relations Commission, Lynn Imaging, Messer, the Small Business Administration, the University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, and ESG.
“I am proud of the continued collaboration that has made the Construction Business Accelerator program a meaningful, engaging experience for not just the cohort, but also for the partners and businesses involved,” said Kristen Smitherman-Voltaire, community and citizenship director at Turner Construction. “We've incorporated several enhancements into this year's program, such as creating a Lynn Imaging Private Plan Room for the Mock Bid Project and partnering with the AGC UK Student Chapter and Construction Engineering classes to host students in the sessions for deeper learning. What I most appreciate is our CBA Steering Committee's ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, striving toward increased positive outcomes for program participants. It's making a real difference!”
All classes will be held at the Cornerstone Theatre, and the cohort will graduate on May 13 at the Gray Design Building. Catering for the event was provided by Chef Li, marking a return to the program. Photography and videography were handled by Cross Media.