Strong Foundations Program
Attend sessions, get matched with a mentor, and receive additional benefits and discounts exclusive to contractors enrolled in the Strong Foundations Program!
Grow Your Business
Hear from pre-vetted industry experts and gain knowledge on a range of topics from legal documents to accounting to creating a strategic marketing plan.
Strong Foundations Program Courses
Legal
Setting up your business correctly, filing business legal documents, using construction liens, getting paid on time, and working with construction contracts.
Financing
Setting up business banking accounts, managing business loans, getting construction bonding, and tips and tricks to improve your ability to gain capital.
Support
Using and managing your accounting software, tracking your revenue, auditing your finances, and paying business taxes.
Talent
Hiring, managing, and terminating employees, writing personnel handbooks, describing job duties, and implementing company-wide procedures.
Safety
Writing company safety manuals, managing job-site safety expectations, and becoming certified through OSHA.
Sustainability
Creating strategic marketing plans, using social media best practices, developing and maintaining a website, and expanding your digital presence.
why underrepresented contractors have enrolled
“The Strong Foundations Program has been pivotal for me and my business. As a minority female, it has strategically placed me in a position to scale my business and put me in front of partners I may not have been connected with otherwise.”
Lisa Knight, Owner of DV Apple Logistics, Strong Foundations Program Graduate
Do I qualify?
The Strong Foundations Program assists DBE/MBE/WBE contractors in growing and sustaining their businesses. To qualify for the Strong Foundations Program, you must:
- Be a certified DBE/MBE/WBE construction company (or qualify for these certifications – we can help you apply!).
- Be committed to attending all mandatory sessions provided by Construction Allies in Action (if two or more sessions are missed, enrollment may be terminated).
- Be willing to share financial and business information with the organization so that we may place you with an appropriate mentor and give you the specific assistance you need.
Enroll in the Strong Foundations Program
The Strong Foundations Program includes six mandatory classes focused on building up underrepresented construction companies through practical knowledge and access to discounts and benefits. Enrolled contractors also receive additional benefits, discounts, and introductions to pre-selected vendors and partners dedicated to helping DBE/MBE/WBE construction companies learn to grow and sustain their businesses.
Practical Knowledge Courses
All courses are taught via Zoom in the evenings to easily work with contractors’ busy schedules, especially during the warmer months.
Mentorship Assistance
Each enrolled contractor is matched an a mentor to help guide them through the Strong Foundations Program and beyond.
Legal Hours
Five free hours of legal time, to be used to verify your business documents or create construction contract templates, paid for by the Construction Allies in Action Allies and Partners.
Networking Opportunities
Exclusive invitations to networking events and contractor workshops to help you build social capital and make connections.
Marketing Consultation
Consult with a digital marketing agency to discuss your branding, website, capabilities statement, and other necessary marketing materials.
Directory Listing
Get listed in our directory of DBE/MBE/WBE contractors, which is used by project owners, developers, and prime contractors.