For more than 40 years, the Hispanic Association of Construction Industry (Hacia) has been a voice for equity in the Illinois construction ecosystem. From defending the change of politics to helping small and several property companies to create capacity and access opportunity, the impact of Hacia is tangible and grows.
Today, as industries are abandoned by labor shortage, the demands of the supply chain and the evolution of environmental standards, a truth is clear: a prosperous construction industry must be diverse.
A powerful network with a purpose
With more than 350 members, Hacia is one of the largest professional communities of small and several companies related to the construction of the state of Illinois. Its members include contractors, architects, engineers and suppliers, from startups to established companies, many of which sail for barriers related to the scale, access and certification.
New members not only get network opportunities: they win a complete network of trusted commercial partners. While more than 3100 people attended the events of Hacia in 2024, the organization also offers tailor -made technical assistance, presentations to decision -making managers, M/W/DBE certification attendance and access to labor programs and creation capacity.
“Our goal is not only to create equity in the construction industry, but also to ensure that our members grow once they have found their place,” says executive director Jacqueline Gomez. “This means that our sleeves provide personal support that creates generational wealth and allows our members to build their business successfully
Capacity construction that works
The Business Accelerator of the Signature of Hacia (the Fellow’s Executive Program) helps entrepreneurs to strengthen their financial and business plans, to expand their legal knowledge and more. Only in 2024, 28 business owners graduated from the program, each gaining individualized support to improve competitiveness and credibility in the construction trade industry.
Participants such as Cesar Lopez de Best Networks, Inc.-A Chicagoland Consulting Computer Consulting Specialized in data wiring, fiber optics and low voltage systems for the construction industry, have continued to achieve important contracts and grow their equipment. Collectively, the graduates of Hacia’s business capacity programs, including CESAR, have won more than $ 11 million in contracts and projects after the completion of the program.
“This program gave me a clear strategy to climb,” López shared after graduating in the executive program Fellow.
Other offers, such as the Contractor Development Program, provide accessible training, A-La-Carte for both business owners and their teams, which cover everything, from estimation and insurance to sustainability and project operations.
Tomorrow’s labor force begins today
Beyond business development, Hacia also lays the foundations for the workforce of the construction of the future. By 2024, 313 people enrolled in Hacia’s labor programs, with 282 completing the training and 104 ensuring labor practices or union applications.
Programs such as the pre-approval program of the general construction Il Works, EV that charges the formation of installation and the pre-APRENTICICIP Fusteria help the applicants for employment of Hacia, especially of despised communities, to obtain the skills and connections needed to launch sustainable careers.
From politics to progress
The impact of Hacia is noticeable throughout the state, even inside the Capitol building in Springfield, where its defense team promotes structural change. By 2024, this work involved the implementation of public law 103-570: a law that changes the game that reduces the barriers of linking for small contractors in Idot and Tollway projects. This monumental realization opens more work to small and several property companies and helps them to get involved in the process of competitive tender.
Other wins include faster payment legislation, better transparency of suppliers diversity and recognition of local M/WBE certifications. These efforts say that small businesses not only survive, but also compete.
An invitation to new business owners
If you are a small or diverse business owner in construction, especially one that seeks to expand, obtain connections or create connections, it is the community you lacked. With more than 350 members and many available events and/or workshops, there are professional opportunities waiting for you. The benefits for the accession of Hacia are also conveniently available on the membership page to provide the full value of its members.
For more information on Hacia’s programs, members or events, visit www.haciaworks.org. And to read the full impact report, you can click here.
