Free laptops, construction financing resources, PennBid assistance and upcoming contracting opportunities to be featured
ALLENTOWN, PA — August 26, 2026 — The Black Heritage Association of the Lehigh Valley (BHALV) will host its next Workforce Procurement Pathways and Construction Trades Empowerment Initiative training on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Allentown Public Library.
The free training is designed to help local construction contractors, subcontractors, trades workers, small businesses and Section 3 participants strengthen their ability to compete for public and publicly funded construction opportunities throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley.
Financing, Procurement & Business Development
A representative from First Northern Bank & Trust will participate in the program to provide information about construction, business and mortgage financing opportunities.
Participants will also learn about upcoming construction and procurement opportunities and have an opportunity to register for a private PennBid account setup training with Dale Fairclough of Achieve Coaching and Consulting. The PennBid assistance is intended to help contractors become better prepared to identify and pursue public bidding opportunities.
FREE Laptops for Eligible Section 3 Contractors
As part of BHALV's efforts to address the digital divide affecting small contractors, fully Section 3-certified contractors participating in the program who have not previously received a device will be eligible to receive a FREE laptop.
The laptops are being incorporated into BHALV's contractor development efforts to give participating businesses access to the technology needed to search for opportunities, communicate with public agencies, complete online registrations and navigate electronic procurement platforms.
Lead Hazard & Healthy Homes Contracting
The August 29 training will also include follow-up information for contractors who recently participated in Lead Hazard certification training and are preparing to pursue Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard-related contracting opportunities.
BHALV will discuss next steps for contractors, certification follow-up and preparation for upcoming opportunities requiring qualified construction businesses and workers.
“Our goal is not simply to tell contractors that opportunities exist. We want to help them become prepared to actually compete for those opportunities,” said Kevin Easterling, CEO of the Black Heritage Association of the Lehigh Valley and Section 3 Consultant and Advocate. “That means helping contractors with procurement systems, technology, certifications, financing information and the relationships they need to grow their businesses.”
Registration Is Free — Seating Is Limited
Participation in the August 29 training is FREE, but seating is being limited to approximately 20 contractors and participants.
Construction contractors and workers interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP as soon as possible.
EVENT INFORMATION
Workforce Procurement Pathways and Construction Trades Empowerment Initiative
Saturday, August 29, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Allentown Public Library
Allentown, Pennsylvania
RSVP / Information:
Black Heritage Association of the Lehigh Valley
Phone/Text: 484-550-2506
Email: ke@lvbnn.com
Event Support
This month's Workforce Procurement Training is sponsored in part through support associated with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Lehigh County Department of Community & Economic Development, City of Allentown Department of Community & Economic Development, and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority Connectivity Program.
About the Initiative
The BHALV Workforce Procurement Pathways and Construction Trades Empowerment Initiative works to increase the capacity of local contractors and construction workers through Section 3 certification assistance, procurement training, technical assistance, bid navigation, technology access and connections to public and publicly funded construction opportunities.
The initiative's broader goal is to expand the pool of qualified local contractors and workers who are prepared to participate in construction and economic development opportunities throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kevin Easterling, CEO
Black Heritage Association of the Lehigh Valley
Section 3 Consultant and Advocate
1124 W. Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
P.O. Box 4385
Allentown, PA 18105
484-550-2506
ke@lvbnn.com
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