Veteran-Owned 8(a) Firm LJV Development Recognized as One of the Fastest Growing Companies in America
Accessing untapped resources paved the way for exponential growth
The SBA’s 2023 Massachusetts Veteran-Owned Business of the Year, led by Founder & CEO Liseth Velez, recently landed at #115 on the 2024 Inc. 5,000 list, highlighting the fastest-growing private companies in America.
What Drove Growth?
Accessing untapped resources for fuel and fellowship helped LJV Development endure through the early years and recover from the global pandemic.
Velez points to several key grants that fueled the formative stages of the business which started in 2018, including the “Inclusive Recovery Grant Program” and “Empower Digital Grant” from Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, to help recover from the global shut down and get access to capacity-building technical assistance.
LJV also utilized the Workforce Training Fund Program administered by the Commonwealth Corporation. Velez leveraged this grant to make a significant investment in her team, providing specialized training and development opportunities tailored to her employees.
Working with workforce development experts, enabled the company to scale operations effectively and create a foundation for sustainable growth, positioning LJV to be able to keep hiring and building the team.
New Heights on the Horizon
“We now have 24 employees working tirelessly towards taking us to the next level, including our first Chief Operating Officer,” Velez proudly shared. “That’s why I am more optimistic than ever and looking to take the company to new heights.”
“The SBA’s 8(a) business development program gave me a start in federal contracting, where we’re currently focused on building our federal portfolio and laying the foundation for LJV Development’s expansion into new markets,” said Velez.
Other certifications held by LJV Development include SBA’s Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (wosb.certify.sba.gov) and the Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (veterans.certify.sba.gov).
LJV Development has successfully completed federal contracts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Air National Guard, and National Park Service.
“LJV’s growth all started with the 8(a) program and all of the resources I have been afforded by different federal and state agencies that have our back in the small business community,” said Velez. “What’s been more impactful is the fellowship these programs provide, with mentors and people that really are trying to help you succeed.”
On August 8th, 2024, Liseth was invited to join Governor Maura Healey to share her story as a Veteran and small business owner at the signing of the HERO Act (An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans). This landmark veterans’ legislation includes a provision that increases the Vet-Hire Tax Credit to $2,500 for small businesses hiring chronically unemployed or low-income veterans.
Workforce Development Resources
About Commonwealth Corporation + Workforce Training Fund Program Express Program
Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp) is a quasi-public agency established in 1996 that administers and delivers various publicly and privately funded programs.
The WTFP Express Program provides grants for just-in-time training, allowing small business owners to receive full reimbursement of the cost of training up to $3,000 per person/per course.
Upcoming Eligible Training Opportunities
Small Business HR Strategies is a six-week course offered by AIM HR Solutions, a division of the Associated Industries of MA (AIM) in which an organization gets partnered with an experienced HR instructor to assess its current HR situation, get educated on compliance basics, and understand the strategies and tools it has to support its employees. The learning modules include hands-on strategies for completing Form I-9s, writing offer letters, developing job descriptions, posting job openings, setting up employee files, and establishing the foundation for an employee handbook. Grant approval takes about 3-4 weeks and it is suggested that companies plan to start after approval.
PMP Prep/PM-SM Certification (5 weekdays) offered by William George Associates, combine’s the USA’s most successful PMP prep class with a new credential, William George Associates’ PM-SM (Project Manager-Scrum Master). This course updates the waterfall project management concepts in the tradition of PMI, with Agile/Scrum, thus creating an improved and unified set of better practices. This course is delivered hybrid, a combination of live instruction and online lectures.
11/5/24 Fundamentals of Pre-Construction and Project Management (7-weeks) offered byHelm Construction Solutions, is a deep dive into the fundamentals of good pre-construction and project management practice. This 7-session online course will cover essential tasks during pre-construction, estimating, scheduling, and project management tasks during the construction process. The course includes hands-on exercises, tools, and templates to support emerging project managers and estimators.
12/31/24 LEED® Green Associate Exam Prep (2 four hour sessions) offered by Built Environment Plus, is a comprehensive course which will prepare attendees for the Green Associate exam. The day long curriculum is designed to cover the segments of the Green Associate Exam and to lightly cover the AP specialty exams. It will be a fast-paced class for real estate professionals, architects, engineers, and anyone else interested in green building practices and LEED.
Check out all of the eligible courses offered through the Workforce Training Fund Program in the Express Program Course Directory