WEPOWER Business Accelerator
The WEPOWER Business Accelerator is a 12-week entrepreneurship development program for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in the Construction Industry. If you want to grow a thriving business in St. Louis and be apart of an amazing community of leaders, this program is for you!
Who is WEPOWER?
WEPOWER activates and supports business and community leaders to take action to make St. Louis’s economy and education systems better. Nearly 500 WEPOWER alumni—business and community leaders—have achieved big wins that impact thousands of educators and children and scaled businesses that positively support our economy and create living wage jobs.
2024 Cohort
James Grayson
Plumbing Innovations is a commercial and residential plumbing firm dedicated to implementing new and innovative ways to install plumbing. James is an experienced union plumber now diving into the industry with his own firm and wants to grow in a responsible manner.
Carvontate Brown
Making America Better is a successful abatement and demolition contractor in the construction industry. They specialize in demolition, site prep, asbestos abatement, lead renovation, mold remediation, water and fire restoration, rehab, and general construction.
Brittnee White
EPM Construction LLC
EPM Construction LLC is a residential and commercial renovation business that also offers electric, plumbing, and mechanical services. Britnee manages her firm as a general contractor but is looking for ways to grow her firm by increasing her self-perform work on various trades and by meeting the right people and developing the right relationships.
Terrance Smith
ATAV is a low-voltage communications company that specializes in IP camera systems, access control, data cabling, pro audio video, and electric vehicle charging station sales and installation. All these services are integral to every major project of today.
Jeffrey Reed
ATAV is a low-voltage communications company that specializes in IP camera systems, access control, data cabling, pro audio video, and electric vehicle charging station sales and installation. All these services are integral to every major project of today.
Rochelle Bonty
RMB Mechanical is an HVAC firm that performs commercial air duct cleaning and installation services for new construction and renovation projects. Rochelle was a successful female sheetmetal worker who decided to start her own firm.
Raymond Straughter
Sultan General Construction Co
Sultan General Construction Co. is a demolition, excavation, and site preparation company specializing in structural building demolition projects. Sultan has been operating for 11 years and is looking forward to continuing to grow his business.
James Barnes Jr.
Barnes Landscaping LLC offers hardscaping, landscaping, fencing, flatwork, and tree removal services. Landscaping and hardscaping is starting to be a major factor in many of the large commercial projects in the construction industry.
Timothy Byrd
As a general contractor, Revive Homes helps commercial and residential property owners increase their market appeal to higher-quality clients through quality renovations giving them a competitive edge. Revive Homes started as a way to provide work for those that are homeless and for all in need seeking a way to make a living.
Kristen Byrd
As a general contractor, Revive Homes helps commercial and residential property owners increase their market appeal to higher-quality clients through quality renovations giving them a competitive edge. Revive Homes started as a way to provide work for those that are homeless and for all in need seeking a way to make a living.
D’Von Johnson
D. Johnson Painting is a commercial painting contractor and a signatory to the painter's union. D'Von is a successful graduate of the CCDI program managed by Clayco. He has had his own firm for years but recently began working in the major commercial arena as a union painting firm.
Jessica Gaines
POM Peace of Mind
POM Piece of Mind operates as a project management and general construction company, offering services from idea conception to project completion for new developers and companies wanting to expand or maintain their real estate programs.
Accelerator Benefits
- Workshops + 1:1 Coaching: Bi-weekly one-on-one business coaching and weekly workshops and trainings.
- In-kind Professional Services: Accounting, marketing, and other technical services.
- Access to Capital: Access to a $5,000 equity-free grant, a wellness stipend, opportunities to be considered for a line of credit, and introductions to other capital providers.
- Connections + Support: Introductions to major general contractors across St. Louis, preparation for contracts with local anchor institutions (i.e hospitals and universities), and connections to mentors.
Email Ron Unterreiner at: [email protected]