Turner Construction, the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky APEX Accelerator will host the third annual Construction Diversity Accelerator (CDA) program in spring 2024. The deadline to submit an application for this year's cohort is Friday, January 26 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
For the last 50 years, Turner has engaged minority-owned, women-owned and other underrepresented construction-related businesses in programs that share tools, resources and opportunities for business growth and expansion. In 2022, longstanding partners Turner and the UK joined forces with the Kentucky APEX Accelerator to bring the Construction Diversity Accelerator (CDA) to Central Kentucky.
Now in its third year, the CDA is a 10-week program offered at no cost to participants. The program is designed to equip underrepresented businesses in construction and related trades with the knowledge and skills they need to be competitive in their industry.
The cohort will gain a gateway to networking opportunities, access to industry experts and the chance to build valuable skills and knowledge in the construction industry. Participants will be divided into teams at the beginning of the program, where each team will submit a Mock Bid capstone project to be reviewed by a panel of industry experts at the end of the program.
Companies interested in applying for the 2024 Construction Diversity Accelerator can do so here.
About Kentucky APEX Accelerator
Formerly known as KYPTAC, the Kentucky APEX Accelerator is an initiative of the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) that promotes economic development and private sector business growth by providing free assistance to companies interested in providing products or services to federal, state and local governments and large primes, which annually offer billions of dollars in contracts to private sector companies. The Kentucky APEX Accelerator is funded in part through cooperative agreements with the Department of Defense and Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development. Learn more at www.kyapex.com.
About Turner Construction
Turner Construction is one of the largest construction companies in the country with regional offices in Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati. The Construction Diversity Accelerator is based on the company’s acclaimed Turner School of Construction Management program, which is the oldest community outreach program in Turner’s history. It was initiated in 1969 to address the needs of diverse suppliers, and soon became an opportunity to develop strategic business relationships with minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, small and underrepresented construction-related firms. Since then, Turner has been committed to intentionally creating opportunities that lead to greater equity and inclusion in the construction industry. You can learn more about Turner's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here.
About the University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a public, land grant university dedicated to improving people’s lives through excellence in education, research and creative work, service and health care. As Kentucky's flagship institution, the university plays a critical leadership role by promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development and human well-being.