Program Highlights

The BFG program will guide contractors in developing a tailored business plan that equips them to compete for Southern California’s growing pipeline of wildfire mitigation, rebuilding, and major-event projects. Practitioner-led classes prepare contractors to:

• Increase bonding capacity: Learn from bonding agents how to become bondable and to secure a higher bond for larger projects
• Get capital ready: Optimize financial systems, documentation, and planning with instruction from experienced bankers
• Build the backlog: Refine growth strategies and establish connections with large general contractors and corporate partners

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the program, a company must:

• Be an independent, for-profit corporation in the construction industry
• Headquartered in the Greater Los Angeles area, or performing a significant percentage of contracts in Los Angeles
• Represent or be located in an under-resourced community*

The cohort will include up to 50 local firms with a focus on those engaged in FIFA/LA28 facility preparation and event logistics; heavy civil, concrete, electrical, mechanical, and specialty trades; infrastructure and utilities; and wildfire mitigation and rebuilding.

*Not sure if you’re located in an under-resourced community? Apply to find out or email us at bfg@icic.org.

Classes start: Fall 2026

This hybrid cohort combines in-person classes with virtual sessions via Zoom.

In-person orientation and graduation dates to be announced.

BFG Curriculum

The hybrid program blends 18 core weekly 2-hour classes—combining in-person classes with virtual sessions via Zoom—dedicated technical assistance, and long-term mentorship. The total time commitment is about 3-4 hours per week. The course comprehensively covers all key elements needed to be a successful construction firm.

For more detailed information about the BFG classes, please read our Full Curriculum.

Advantages of BFG

• Region-specific guidance: Tailored education needed to gain the skills to grow and compete for major contracting opportunities in the Los Angeles area
• Peer-to-peer connections: Join a vibrant cohort of diverse contractors to expand and enhance your peer network
• Led by practitioners: Classes taught by construction industry practitioners and experts in their fields
• Business planning: Create or improve a customized business plan designed to fuel growth, with feedback and support from the BFG staff
• Access to resources: Broad exposure to industry partners, including financial and bonding institutions, municipalities, and large prime contractors
• Ongoing alumni support: Gain lifetime access to ICIC’s Alumni Network (ICAN), offering continued learning, national visibility, and new contracting opportunities

Meet the Director

Steve Lamar is a seasoned construction and real estate development professional with more than 20 years of industry experience. As Program Director of Building for Growth and Founder and CEO of Forward Planning & Solutions, he supports contractors in breaking through barriers and building stronger construction businesses. He brings a practical, industry-informed approach that ensures the program delivers measurable results for participating firms.

Steve previously served as President of ARGO Systems and led major subcontracting programs at Kaiser Permanente. He is a LEED-accredited professional, an advocate for sustainable building, and co-founder of the National Forum for Diversity in Construction. Steve holds a civil engineering degree from Temple University and is a graduate of USC’s Ross Program in Real Estate.

BFG’s Impact

Since 2022, Building for Growth has helped 342 construction businesses across 35 states unlock new opportunities, strengthen their operations, and scale with confidence. Participants are seeing measurable results:

BFG has become a trusted resource for business growth, job creation, and capital readiness, advancing economic opportunity across the construction industry.

Apply Now