Upskilling, from training sessions to certification programs, ensures both the small business and its team thrive.
Tucson, AZ — A commitment to workforce development is a key element of a thriving economy. Small businesses are opportunity incubators for our workforce community, providing internships, training, and certifications for employees. The Upskilling Tucson grant funds innovative workforce development projects that stand to create lasting impact for intended employees, local businesses, and our economy. Here are our eight Upskilling Tucson Award Winners:
Desert Pearl Mushrooms: Lions Mane, Medusa, and Turkey Tail have come to center stage in the health, wellness, and food economy, and with this grant Tucson becomes a hub for mushroom growing professionals. Desert Pearl Mushrooms will create and launch a training and certification program that will credential mushroom growers. Their employees will be the first benefactors of this program that will soon be launched to the public and attract budding mushroom growers from across the world.
Gabe’s Spotless Cleaning: Gabe's Spotless Cleaning Services, based in Tucson, specializes in delivering top-notch residential and commercial window cleaning services marked by meticulous attention to detail. With the Upskilling Tucson grant, Gabe’s administrative teams will receive training in Quickbooks, social media management, and CRM technology, and the technicians on the Gabe’s Spotless Cleaning team will receive valuable certifications from the International Window Cleaning Association.
Leon Handyman Services: Leon Handyman Services is a family-owned business in Tucson dedicated to the remodeling and maintenance of homes, suites, and commercial properties. Glenda, a longtime employee and Admin Supervisor of Leon Handyman Services, will complete an English Intensive Program at UArizona which will help with client communication and open a new chapter for Leon Handyman Services as they embrace their business growth.
Movement Culture: Movement Culture is a hub in Tucson for cultural dance and martial arts, fostering a safe, inclusive environment for learning, growth, and community building through diverse cultural expressions and movement. With this grant, several of Movement Culture’s yoga instructors will receive advanced trainings, which will also increase the class offerings at the studio.
Law Office of Rachel Wilson: At the heart of The Law Office of Rachel Wilson, a firm devoted to family immigration and humanitarian cases, lies a dream: empowering the office’s two incredible legal assistants to become lawyers and take over the firm, continuing their important work in Tucson. This grant funds LSAT prep and LSAT registration to put this vision into motion.
Tanzillo Construction: Tanzillo employee Jesus writes in his recommendation letter, “I have been working for Tanzillo Construction since they started up in 2021. The company has always been about its employees' well being.” With the Upskilling Tucson grant, two Tanzillo employees will walk away with valuable certifications, one in project management and one in Quikbooks accounting.
Big Frog Tucson: Big Frog Tucson is a minority, woman, veteran family owned business that creates custom apparel for many of our local schools and community organizations. Responding to their team's desire for design education, Big Frog is using the Upskilling Tucson grant to fund two employee’s pursuit of a digital arts degree at Pima Community College, and they pledge to support success in this program with flexible scheduling.
Working for Wags: Working for Wags is a small business led by women. They offer Tucson's first indoor dog park and human-dog social club, Dogs of Tucson, There, they foster a vibrant community through play groups, dog yoga, and more, aiming at keeping dogs in loving homes all over Tucson. The Upskilling Tucson grant will allow all 23 Working for Wags employees to earn the industry-renowned Fear Free Boarding & Daycare certification.
Congratulations to all our awardees!
Comments