For
construction contractors, learning how to win bids and deal effectively with
general contractors is the key to success. A good place to learn these and
other business management skills is the Construction Contractors' College, a
program of The Entrepreneurs' Learning Center at The Kingdom Builders' Center.
The third
year of the program launches on May 3, 2016, with a curriculum shaped by
representatives from certifying agencies, experienced contractors and
successful small businesses. The program's major sponsor is Capital One Bank,
and it's free to participants. Qualified graduates have access to more than
$750,000 in funding to assist in expanding their businesses.
The
overall goal of The Construction Contractors' College is to help small and
minority business owners in construction and construction services prepare to
bid on contracts in the public and private sectors.
The
comprehensive curriculum was designed to provide relevant and useful
information that can be practiced immediately. The curriculum has been
developed and will be taught by experienced business leaders to achieve the
following objectives:
- Develop sound business practices.
- Improve the credit-worthiness of the individual owner and the business.
- Position businesses for bidding opportunities.
- Take the owner's business to its next level, particularly in the area of economic development, enabling these businesses to become employers increasing the financial stability for themselves and their employees.
- Give business owners face-to-face time with general contractors.
Course topics
include credit awareness, specialized business plan development, certification,
bidding, project management and access to capital.
Participants
will learn to develop a business structure around their skill or trade, improve
their likelihood of securing financing, have direct access to the Metropolitan
Transit Authority's express certification process and receive coaching and
counseling from experienced professionals, including SCORE and other seasoned
consultants.
Results
to date have included increases in credit scores, certifications with the City
of Houston and other major certifying bodies, and contract bids. Some graduates
have bid on and won large contracts with a mid-tier contractor, in the medical
industry and with the federal government since completing the classes.
The
seven-month program is for small construction contractors who have been in
business at least a year and have filed tax returns in their business names.
Classes will meet on Tuesdays at The Kingdom Builders' Center, 6011 W. Orem
Drive. Application for the next term closes on April 4. Only 20 slots are
available to the best-qualified candidates. Learn more and apply online at www.thekbc.com or call 713-726-2519. ____________________________________________________________________________
SCORE is a nonprofit association whose volunteers help start and improve small
businesses. Send questions or volunteer inquiries to scorehouston@gmail.com.