Data Annotation Job Creation in the D.C. Metro Region - Melwood Community Development Corporation (MCDC) will use $270,293 in CED funds to make a loan to Enabled Intelligence (EI), to grow their business in the artificial intelligence (AI) arena and create new jobs in the Washington, DC metro area. EI, a computer consulting firm that offers data labeling services for government clients, will use CED funds to pay for identification of new contracts for EI and the recruitment and training of 10 individuals as data annotators, capitalizing on an ever-growing need across business sectors for high-quality, accurately labeled data to leverage new AI technology. EI will hire from overlooked and underserved communities to fulfill new AI contracts, creating 10 positions within the expansion. EI, which recently had their Data Labeling training program accredited with the US Department of Labor, will train the new hires to perform data annotation, providing a livable wage with fringe benefits to them, with a goal of making them self-sustaining. MCDC partner with Melwood Community Services to recruit and refer employees and help provide wraparound services and supports to the new hires, including work readiness and life skills training, job searching and placement assistance, and follow-up support. They aim to remove barriers to employment by ensuring access to childcare, offsetting transportation costs, reducing food insecurity, and offering soft skills training. This project will create 10 new jobs, 8 of which will be filled by individuals with low-income.
