Empowering Growth: Northern California Contractors Thrive After Participating in ICIC’s Building for Growth Program

By ICIC | September 23, 2024

Launched in 2022, ICIC’s Building for Growth (BFG) program provides BIPOC-, woman-, and veteran-owned construction contractors with the knowledge and resources to greatly enhance their existing businesses. The BFG program consists of a curriculum taught by industry experts designed to educate participants about all aspects of successfully running a construction business. Taught over the course of 18 weeks, instructors touch on every aspect involved in operating a contracting company with the overarching goals of improving participants’ backlog, bonding capacity, and ability to secure capital.

Some of the most recent BFG graduates hail from Northern California, demonstrating the program’s regional reach and ability to provide tailored support to local business owners. BFG alumna La Sonia Mansfield of San Francisco-based Mansfield and Mansfield Construction Clean Up said of the course,

“It excelled in delivering relevant topics taught by knowledgeable & engaging experts. The requirement to research and refine a business plan was a key component that truly set the program apart. Thanks to BFG’s training, I have achieved many significant milestones, including: securing my second prime contract, my second multi-year contract, and managing more than three contracts simultaneously. I also secured a multi-year contract with the city and county of San Francisco.”

When discussing the impact of BFG’s emphasis on developing strategic business plans, Lori Hennessey, owner of Hennessey Construction in Fairfax, said,

“Personally, I was able to use the information and resources to update my business plan and set goals to improve my company’s organization and increase business.”

The BFG Program Experience

The positive impact of BFG’s training, exemplified in the success of La Sonia and Lori’s businesses, has been seen by countless other participating organizations. In only two years, the BFG program has reached 166 construction firms spanning 29 states, growing participating businesses’ backlog capacity by an average of 101% and their bonding capacity by an average of 156% while securing a total of $5.4 million in capital.

While the measurable success BFG participants have experienced is truly impressive, what may be even more significant is the impact the program’s training has had on alumni attitudes toward their business.

San Francisco local Reva Murphy of Reva Murphy Associates said,

“I entered this program thinking I knew my business but it was shortly apparent to me that I needed to listen to the knowledgeable instructors to put into practice their insightful suggestions, business development concepts, and the long-range planning skills taught in the program that are so critical to grow a business.”

Similarly, Charles Matthews of Big Pipe Mechanical, also based in the Bay Area, expressed,

“After participating in Building for Growth, I’m a better businessman in every sense – I have been leveled up. I’ll be reviewing the material a second time within the next couple of years, because it will become increasingly relevant as I continue to grow my business.”

This shift in perspective, empowering business owners to take the initiative to grow their business, is the desired outcome for each participating business. BFG program director Steve Lamar remarked, “We are not giving you a fish; rather, we are teaching you how to fish so that you can grow sustainably for a much longer period of time.”

It is also important to note that beyond the technical curriculum and sense of empowerment that the Building for Growth program has provided to so many BIPOC-, woman-, and veteran-owned contracting companies, the program has created a true community of like-minded business people each looking to support one another.

When asked about the merit of the BFG program, Alexandra Valencia of One Day Installation & Repairs located in San Juan Bautista said,

“What sets it apart is the incredible network of supportive small businesses within the program who are always ready to provide guidance, assistance, and share what has worked for them. The added benefit of having contact information for all the presenters is a valuable resource, ensuring that you know exactly where to turn when you encounter any legal or financial challenges.”

Unleashing Potential and Expanding Impact

Whether it’s securing larger contracts or streamlining operations, Northern California’s BFG participants are leveraging the tools provided through the program to grow their businesses in substantial ways. These contractors, who have long served their communities, are now equipped with new skills, strategies, and networks to significantly expand their impact. The success of the Building for Growth program is made possible through the generous support of sponsors Intuit, The Home Depot, and PG&E. Their commitment to empowering BIPOC-, woman-, and veteran-owned construction businesses plays a crucial role in ensuring participants have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed.

The impact of ICIC’s Building for Growth program has transformed minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned contracting companies by teaching an all encompassing curriculum, empowering business owners to employ new business approaches, and developing a thriving community among those who have taken part in the course.

To learn more about the educational offerings and eligibility requirements of the Building for Growth program, click here.