BigRentz, a national online construction equipment rental network, has formed a strategic alliance with fintech firm Billd, to offer customers specialized financing options for construction materials and labor.

Billd, based in Irvine, Texas, provides flexible financial solutions and repayment terms designed to help contractors overcome cash flow and high-cost debt service hurdles, allowing them to concentrate on quality project delivery and business expansion.

A recent report from Billd underscored the extent of the financial burdens contractors face, including finding subcontractors spent an additional $97 billion in unexpected material and labor expenses in 2023.

Irvine, Calif.-based BigRentz boasts a nationwide network of more than 6,000 equipment supply partners, providing a digital platform for streamlined equipment procurement and project management.

Photo courtesy of the Iowa Economic Development Corporation

Dallas College got a financial boost after receiving a grant worth more than $1 million from several companies, including KPost Roofing, through Texas’ Skills Development Fund, which will provide funding for more than 600 new and current workers.

As first reported in Dallas Innovates — a news site focusing on business in North Texas — Dallas College, part of the Dallas Community College system, will use the grant money for customized training in administration, project management, roofing, dental hygiene, material handling, and desktop support.

“Texas is proud to invest in our growing, diverse workforce to ensure critical industries in our state’s world-class economy continue to thrive,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “This job training grant will help equip North Texans with the skills they need to excel in high-demand careers and ensure our vital industries have the support they need to succeed.”

Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel expressed his gratitude to the employers connected to the grant.

“The Skills Development Fund connects colleges and employers to build a highly-trained workforce by providing resources directly where they’re needed,” Daniel said. “Today’s award is another great example of employers who are committed to upskilling their workers to prepare for the growing Texas economy.”

On Dec. 7, 2023, Daniel presented the award to representatives from Dallas College and participating businesses at a ceremony at the Dallas College Garland Center, formerly the Richland College Garland Campus.

SDF is the state’s workforce training grant program to help businesses upskill their new or current workforce. Abbott said that in partnership with the public community and technical colleges, workforce development boards, and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the commission collaborates to provide customized, innovative training to Texas businesses of all sizes.

The state said that the SDF grant program has provided training opportunities in partnership with at least 4,800 employers to upgrade or support the creation of more than 420,000 jobs in Texas since the program’s inception in 1996.