GBCE's exciting upcoming work to develop another 2-3 new green enterprises and to grow our current enterprises to create 90-100 new jobs in Bridgeport.

GBCE was founded only 6 years ago. In that short time, we have a developed a Job Training Program that trains disadvantaged residents for jobs in the new green economy. GBCE have developed 2 new green businesses, the Green Team and Park City Green. And about to embark on an even more ambitious plan starting in 2013.

GBCE can help continue full speed ahead to fulfill our mission of creating jobs in Bridgeport. Make a year-end tax deductible contribution to Greater Bridgeport Community Enterprises to help the community. Checks can be sent to: GBCE, 570 Barnum Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06608.

Park City Green opened amidst much celebration and media coverage around the nation. More than 150 people attended the ribbon-cutting. Joining Mayor Bill Finch were numerous state commissioners and dignitaries, and local community, government and business leaders. Business is growing with mattresses stacked up to the ceiling and spin tables and compacting machines running nonstop.

RESULT: Park City Green has created 5 jobs in its first five months and is on track to create another 15-20 jobs over the next few years. We are deconstructing more than 400 mattresses a week, keeping them out of landfills and incinerators, helping preserve the environment, and saving municipalities, health care facilities and universities high disposal fees.

Job Skills Training Program. The WorkPlace provided funding for 2 cycles of brownfields and deconstruction job skills training for Bridgeport's low-income unemployed residents. Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust awarded GBCE contracts for 2 cycles of environmental remediation training and refresher courses for minority contractors renewing their licenses.

RESULT: In 2012, GBCE graduated 115 from our job skills training program (99% graduation rate). This year $1.2 million has been pumped into struggling Bridgeport neighborhoods by our graduates who have found employment as a result of GBCE's job skills training program.

The Green Team completed the Green-Up House. (See the video on our new website in which workers talk about what a job means to them, greenteambpt.com.) Apprentices from our job training program joined the Green Team to complete the first phase of the restoration of the historical Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses in Little Liberia, a community of free blacks in Bridgeport that flourished before slavery was abolished in the state.

Result: The Green Team completed $150,000 in contracts in 2012 for a total of $750,000 over the last five years, providing jobs for 27 unemployed low-income residents, and is on track to create another 10-15 jobs over the next 2-3 years.

While finances have been a continuing challenge
and our budget is constantly stretched, you can see that GBCE provides a huge return on investment.

Last modification: Fri 21 Dec 2012