AGC CEF, Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Launch Partnership to Empower Small Construction Businesses


BY TERESA KENT I


n May 2025, AGC of California and the AGC Construc- tion Education Foundation (AGC CEF) announced a new partnership with the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce and its Regional Small Business Utilization Cen-


ter (RSBUC). This collaboration is designed to strengthen and expand support for small, underrepresented, and diverse con- struction businesses across the Greater Sacramento region. Through the joint initiative, AGC CEF and RSBUC is


providing small construction businesses with comprehensive resources tailored to the unique demands of the industry. These include targeted education and training, mentorship and technical assistance, access to matchmaking opportuni- ties with AGC of California general contractors, and ongoing business development support. By focusing on practical, high-impact programming, the partnership aims to increase procurement readiness and help diverse contractors compete for — and secure — major construction contracts. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to


creating more inclusive and equitable economic opportunities within the construction industry,” said Erin Volk, executive director of AGC CEF and senior vice president, workforce and community development at AGC of California. “Together with the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber and RSBUC, we are equipping small and underrepresented businesses with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed.” “Partnering with AGC CEF enables the RSBUC to deliver


sector-specific support that directly addresses the needs of our local small and diverse businesses,” said Pat Fong Kushi-


opportunity to serve as a lead ironworker on such notable projects as the Wilshire Grand Center high-rise, Berth 200 in the Port of Los Angeles, the Automated Container Movers in the Port of Long Beach, and others.


Building a Viable Business Journeying out in 2013, Pruitt saw the opportunities for certified small and minority business enterprises in the


da, president & CEO of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Cham- ber of Commerce. “Construction is a critical economic engine, and through this partnership, we’re ensuring our businesses are not only included, but positioned to thrive.” This project is funded in part through a grant from the


California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), which includes a $100,000 subgrant from RSBUC to AGC CEF in recognition of the Foundation’s subject matter ex- pertise and capacity to deliver construction-specific training and support.


local Southern California construction market and decided to obtain her own contractor’s license. In 2016, with that license in hand, she officially opened the doors of Marvella Steel Placers. To- day, the company is certified as a small, disadvantaged, woman, minority, local community, and LGBT-owned company. Pruitt named the Signal Hill-based steel placing and erecting company in honor of her mom, Marvella, who had


passed away a few years earlier but had always been a strong and positive influ- ence on her even during many challenging times in her younger years. “She was always my inspiration, my


supporter, my cheerleader,” Pruitt said. A picture of Jacque and Marvella con- tinues to be prominently displayed on her desk today.


When she first opened her business, Pruitt knew she had a lot to learn. She


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025


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