JCB Building New Horizons For Hispanic Construction Entrepreneurs in the US
JCB, one of the world’s leading independent manufacturers of construction machinery, has launched an ambitious programme designed to support Hispanic construction professionals in starting and growing their own ventures. The initiative, known as Be Your Own Boss (Sé Tu Propio Patrón), focuses on giving aspiring entrepreneurs access to tools, training, coaching, and financing that are often difficult to secure when starting a business in the United States.
The Hispanic community plays a vital role in the nation’s construction workforce. According to recent labour statistics, roughly one-third of U.S. construction workers identify as Hispanic, with participation levels exceeding half in major states such as Texas, Florida, and California. Their skills and labour have helped build a substantial portion of America’s infrastructure. Yet, despite the scale of their contribution, many have struggled to enter the ownership side of the industry due to limited access to working capital, equipment financing, and professional business resources.
A report by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute highlights that 70 percent of Hispanic entrepreneurs rely on personal savings to fund new ventures. Restricted access to such savings remains one of the major barriers to securing bank loans or external finance. Data from the Hispanic Construction Council suggests that as many as 90 percent of Hispanic-owned construction firms face inadequate support from traditional financial institutions when applying for bank products.
Empowering Workers To Become Leaders
Be Your Own Boss is designed to fill these gaps by providing targeted support for Hispanic workers ready to take their next entrepreneurial step. The programme offers bilingual resources, business mentorship, introductory capital support, and flexible financial products aimed at first-time buyers and ITIN holders. Participants also gain access to local JCB dealer networks that help them acquire machinery at advantageous terms.
Marc-André Dubois, Vice President of Marketing at JCB North America, emphasised the underlying purpose of the programme: “With Be Your Own Boss, we’re not just selling equipment; we’re investing in people who are essential to the construction industry.” He added: “This programme reflects our long-term commitment to helping hardworking Hispanic professionals transform their experience and determination into successful, sustainable businesses.”
The approach acknowledges that entrepreneurship is not simply a financial undertaking but a transition into leadership and ownership. For many in the sector, that opportunity has typically remained out of reach due to systemic limitations in access to financing, business knowledge, and industry-specific mentoring.
Sergio Terreros, President of the National Hispanic Contractors Association, welcomed the launch: “Hispanics have built the homes, roads, and cities of America – it’s time we also build our own legacy.” He continued: “Thanks to JCB for launching this visionary programme that empowers our community to shift from workers to owners, from doing the job to leading the business. This is how we create opportunity, pride, and generational success.”
Training, Financing And Dealer Support
Participants receive tailored business coaching, technical training, introductions to financing partners, and support in navigating regulatory and operational requirements. Hispanic entrepreneurs often possess deep construction experience but may require business strategy guidance, risk planning, procurement support, and administrative skills to ensure long-term growth.
The financial component is central to the programme’s impact. Equipment ownership enables contractors to scale beyond labour-only services, pursue larger projects, and increase profit margins. The programme’s customised financial products are designed to help new firms acquire essential machinery while improving cash-flow predictability.
Roniel Rivera-Garcia, spokesperson for Be Your Own Boss, explained the value of this model based on personal experience: “I have first-hand experience in the opportunities JCB provides as this global company has given me the tools and resources to help launch this powerful programme for my fellow Hispanics.” He added: “Through Be Your Own Boss, we’re proud to be a true partner in progress, breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for the construction industry.”
Supporting Local Economic Development
The launch coincides with JCB’s expanded investment in U.S. manufacturing, including its new 1-million-square-foot facility in San Antonio, Texas. Valued at 500 million dollars, the project represents the largest capital investment in the company’s history and is expected to strengthen local job creation, training capacity, and regional supply chain resilience.
Texas remains one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the country, driven by commercial expansion, urban development, and statewide infrastructure projects. Hispanic contractors form much of the labour foundation of this ecosystem, making targeted business support particularly valuable for regional economic continuity.
The expansion further aligns with the broader U.S. policy landscape promoting small business opportunities, workforce empowerment, and domestic manufacturing. Localising production, training, and dealer support creates stronger market resilience and contributes to more diverse ownership participation.
A Global Construction Legacy
Founded in 1945, JCB has evolved into one of the world’s largest privately owned manufacturers of agricultural, construction, and defence equipment, with production facilities in 22 international locations. Its North American headquarters in Savannah, Georgia employs more than 1,000 workers and coordinates regional operations. Additional offices in Miami, Santa Monica, and San Antonio help manage sales, logistics, service, and customer support.
JCB manufactures more than 300 machinery types used by infrastructure developers, mining operations, agriculture professionals, and urban contractors across 150 countries. The portfolio includes telescopic handlers, wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, skid steers, compact excavators, compact track loaders, aerial work platforms, tracked and wheeled excavators, rough-terrain forklifts, and its well-known Fastrac tractors.
Inclusive Construction
Be Your Own Boss represents more than an equipment sales initiative. By combining business support, financing, dealer relationships, and bilingual mentoring, the programme recognises entrepreneurship as a stepping stone toward community empowerment and long-term economic strength.
With Hispanic ownership growing steadily in multiple U.S. regions, strategic support can accelerate the creation of multi-generation companies, increase participation in commercial contracts, and expand local supplier ecosystems. The programme’s impact is expected to ripple outward as trained entrepreneurs recruit workers, invest in assets, and participate more actively in state and municipal development projects.
