The Blade, August 6, 2019: JumpStart can help workforce goals
At issue is JumpStart Inc., which opened in Toledo in January and which aims to mentor entrepreneurs and small-business owners, with an emphasis on guiding women and minorities. As pitched to the city of Toledo by the administration of Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, JumpStart would help attract and mentor minority contractors for city projects.
The organization exists in the city because it has been contracted by KeyBank, which has made a $24 million investment in a multistate contract with JumpStart. The contract stems not from the goodness of KeyBank’s heart but as part of the $16.5 billion promise the bank made in 2016 to invest in neighborhoods and local economies following its purchase of Buffalo-based First Niagara.
KeyBank worked with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition to offset controversy over the job losses and branch closures caused by the acquisition.
