Elevate’s General Contractor Certification Program Empowers 15 Construction Professionals With Tools and Resources To Grow Their Small Businesses

CHICAGO – Elevate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to clean and affordable heat, cooling, power, and water, celebrates 15 graduates of its General Contractor Certification Program and three graduates of its Clean Energy Contractor Mentorship Program. 

The certification program is designed to prepare aspiring and emerging construction professionals with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and leadership mindset required to successfully manage construction projects. The mentorship program expands these skills with a focus on the clean energy sector and one-on-one coaching. 

The graduation will take place on April 23rd. This celebration marks a major milestone for participants who have advanced their skills in construction management and the clean energy sector. Attendees will include program graduates, community partners, clean energy employers, and local leaders committed to building a more equitable clean energy economy.

“When small businesses thrive, communities thrive,” said Dr. Anne Evens, CEO of Elevate. “These programs give emerging contractors the tools and experience to take on bigger projects, hire locally, and contribute to a more equitable clean energy economy. Elevate is proud to invest in leaders who are building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods across Illinois.”   

Throughout the certification program, students were guided through the essential building blocks of construction management, including project phases, planning concepts, scheduling fundamentals, cost awareness, safety expectations, and professional conduct on the jobsite. The course emphasized real-world application, industry language, and scenario-based learning to help students connect classroom concepts to actual construction environments. 

“Personally, I’m coming out of the program with more confidence, clarity, and a stronger foundation,” says graduate Annissa Summerrisse, who launched her construction business Blush and Build last year. “The people I’ve met along the way, both the mentors and classmates, have helped me think more strategically about my business. I feel like I can now move with more intention instead of just figuring things out as I go. A few years ago, I never thought I’d be the owner of a construction business, but anything’s possible, especially when you have the proper resources.”   

Learners started with varying levels of experience, including those new to construction management and those already working in the industry who wanted to strengthen their skills and advance professionally. Each of the graduates walked away from the program with a broader understanding of how General Contractors lead projects, make informed decisions, and contribute to successful, safe, and efficient construction outcomes. 

“This program demonstrates the power of investing in people,” says Lisa Benjamin, of Millenium II , who taught the course. “When vision meets structure, small businesses grow and communities thrive. These graduates are committed to building legacies, delivering excellence, and contributing to a more equitable clean energy and construction landscape. I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.” 

The 16-week mentorship program equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to thrive in a competitive and sustainability-driven marketplace. The program includes on-site project shadowing, one-on-one coaching, interactive workshops, and curated tools for business growth. 

“I’ve come out of this program with so much,” said Jamara Hall, a graduate of the Clean Energy Mentorship Program. “Programs like this are crucial to small minority-owned businesses like mine. It’s given me direction, confidence, and access to connections to help me grow my business.” 

Elevate is accepting participants for future cohorts, and people can express interest through this online form.  

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