By Danny Gavin, Communications Coordinator, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) --
In today’s construction industry, opportunity is increasingly defined by ownership. Across the United States, more skilled workers are looking to take control of their careers and build businesses of their own.
AEM member company JCB’s Be Your Own Boss program is designed to help make that transition possible, by taking a targeted approach to expanding access to entrepreneurship.
“The inspiration for Be Your Own Boss came from a simple insight: There are thousands of skilled, hardworking people across the construction industry who have the talent, experience, and determination to succeed on their own, but often lack the resources or support needed to take that next step,” said JCB Go-To-Market Manager Suvi Toropainen.
A wealth of strategies exist to help attract and retain the workforce of tomorrow, and AEM is here to help bring them to light through its Workforce Development Committee. Learn more.
Bridging the Gap to Ownership
The program is rooted in a clear understanding of common industry challenges. While many workers already have the technical expertise and customer knowledge needed to run their own business, the transition to ownership can be difficult. Access to financing remains one of the biggest barriers, along with navigating unfamiliar responsibilities such as marketing, operations, and long-term planning.
“We saw an opportunity to help bridge that gap by creating a program that makes business ownership more accessible,” Toropainen said. “Our goal is to empower more people to build successful businesses, strengthen their communities, and contribute to the long-term growth of the construction industry.”
JCB partnered with the National Hispanic Contractors Association (NAHICA), a key catalyst in developing the program. Conversations with NAHICA leaders and members led to a deeper understanding of the challenges that many Hispanic construction professionals face when pursuing business ownership, and these insights helped shape the development of the company’s Be Your Own Boss program.
Comprehensive Support
To address industry challenges, Be Your Own Boss takes a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, working to provide a full support system for new and early-stage business owners.
At its foundation is access to equipment paired with flexible financing options, helping reduce one of the most significant barriers to entry. The program includes a JCB-funded business starter incentive for eligible customers, to help offset some of the costs that come with launching a business. The funds can be used for expenses such as tools, insurance, marketing, or other operational needs that are critical during the early stages of growth.
“The goal is to help entrepreneurs move from skilled work to sustainable business ownership by providing the tools, resources, and support needed to get started and grow with confidence,” Toropainen said.
Beyond equipment and financing, Be Your Own Boss provides access to marketing and educational resources designed to help entrepreneurs promote and grow their businesses. Through the JCB’s partnership with NAHICA, participants receive a one-year membership that opens access to networking opportunities, workshops, referrals, and other professional development resources.
The Role of Dealers as Business Partners
For aspiring entrepreneurs, success often comes down to having the right partners, and JCB’s dealer network plays an essential role in the program. While JCB provides the framework for the program, dealer networks bring it to life in local communities.
From helping entrepreneurs select the right machine for their business needs to providing financing guidance, service support, and ongoing expertise, dealers serve as a valuable resource throughout the ownership journey. They aren't simply selling equipment; they're helping customers build and grow their businesses.
“Our dealers are absolutely central to the success of Be Your Own Boss,” said Toropainen. “They provide ongoing guidance, service, expertise and support, helping entrepreneurs build a strong foundation for long-term success. Together, these elements create a program that supports business owners at every stage of their journey.”
As a result of this partnership, JCB has made a significant investment in strengthening its dealer network, because strong dealers create better outcomes. By providing dealers with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed, JCB is helping them become even stronger partners to the business owners they serve.
Investing in the Future
Workforce demographics are changing, and demand for construction services continues to grow. At the same time, there is increasing momentum toward smaller, specialized contractors and independent operators. JCB sees this shift as an opportunity to expand entrepreneurship across the industry.
“We believe skilled workers transitioning into business owners will play a critical role in shaping the future of the North American construction industry,” Toropainen said. “These businesses will be essential to meeting increasing demand, driving innovation on jobsites, and supporting local infrastructure development.”
Shaping the Industry in North America
Supporting customers beyond the point of purchase is a core part of JCB's approach. The company is focused on helping customers build successful businesses by providing not only equipment, but also resources, support, and relationships that contribute to long-term growth.
That philosophy is reflected in its North American strategy, which includes expanding its reach into new and emerging customer segments, strengthening dealer partnerships as trusted local advisors, and supporting the long-term health of the construction industry. Be Your Own Boss directly supports those priorities by helping aspiring entrepreneurs overcome common barriers to business ownership and establish a foundation for success.
The program complements JCB's broader investment in the future of construction across North America. Whether it's the company’s new manufacturing facility being constructed in San Antonio, Texas, or initiatives that create opportunities for the next generation of contractors, JCB is committed to strengthening the industry and the communities it serves.
Ultimately, the program reflects JCB's long-term commitment to investing in both the infrastructure and the people that will shape the future of U.S. construction.
As the construction industry evolves, creating pathways to ownership will be critical for attracting and retaining talent. Programs like Be Your Own Boss unlock potential within the existing workforce, enabling skilled individuals to take greater control of their careers and build long-term value for their communities.
For many in the industry, the next step is building something of their own.
