Hispanic-Owned Construction Company Helps Other Women Build Solid Businesses
Ines Rivas-Hutchins started her construction business in 2014 after having some great experiences working for others in the construction industry. Before starting her company, a mentor and former boss said, “You have this. You can do it!” That encouragement, plus career experiences and opportunities in the industry working for companies that were designated as Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and SBA 8(a) certified, gave Ines the confidence she needed to become an entrepreneur.
As the owner of a new business, one of Ines’ primary goals was to apply the leadership and project management skills that she had honed throughout her construction career and instilled by many mentors. However, Ines knew that she needed to obtain more knowledge in running a company and competing for contracts. So, she turned to the SBA for assistance.
Ines was familiar with the SBA 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, which provides no fee, high-quality assistance to eligible businesses to help them be competitive for federal, state and local government contracts. She started taking 7(j) courses offered, receiving training, executive education and one-on-one consulting in a wide range of business management topics.
Ines also explored the SBA HUBZone and 8(a) Business Development programs to examine contracting projects and gain valuable knowledge. She worked closely with then Business Opportunity Specialist (BOS) Cherie Guilford at the SBA Kentucky District Office. Cherie guided Ines through those program requirements, opportunities and benefits. After several years of preparation and coaching by Cherie and staff at the Kentucky APEX Accelerator (formerly Kentucky Procurement Technical Assistance Center), INTEC Group became HUBZone and 8(a) certified in 2020.
The hard work has paid off. INTEC now has a great management team and over 30 dedicated employees in their offices in Lexington and Paducah, Kentucky. Ines and her team have successfully managed over $500 million in commercial and federal projects across the country since starting her company. She learned the importance of not just creating revenue but making a profit at INTEC. Revenue has grown tremendously since 2014, and net profit has increased every year. The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Ines as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020. She was also nominated for SBA Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year in 2022. Ines is very involved with civic groups in her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for: the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority; the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce; and Sprocket, a nonprofit digital economic development organization focused on entrepreneurship in West Kentucky. INTEC Group also supports the mission of the U.S. Army, contributing to charities and groups that assist U.S. Army personnel.
Ines stated, “The SBA Kentucky District Office has been crucial in guiding us through this journey. The advice Cherie Guilford and Business Development Specialist Pam Pearson have provided is instrumental in our success.”