Building for Growth in New Jersey
Successfully Scaling Construction Businesses
Building for Growth (BFG) is a national executive education program designed to help construction contractors build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies. Guided by ICIC’s mission of breaking barriers, building businesses, and strengthening communities, the program supports contractors in overcoming industry challenges and positioning their companies for long-term success.
Created in collaboration with industry experts and offered at no cost to participating businesses thanks to ICIC’s partnership with Kean University and The New Jersey Economic Development Authority, BFG equips contractors with the tools, connections, and strategies to scale operations, strengthen financials, and secure larger contracts.
Program Highlights
- 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:
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Be an independent, for-profit corporation in the construction industry
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Headquartered in New Jersey, or perform a significant percentage of contracts in New Jersey
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Represent or be located in an over-burdened community*
*Not sure if you’re located in an over-burdened community? Apply to find out or email us at bfg@icic.org.
Apply Now for the New Jersey Cohort
First Class: Wednesday, April 15th
Last Class: Wednesday, August 19th
This hybrid cohort combines in-person classes hosted at Kean University in Union with virtual sessions via Zoom.
In-person orientation and graduation dates to be announced.
Space is limited. Apply early. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled.
Have a Question About Building for Growth?
Email us at bfg@icic.org or schedule an interest call here.
BFG Curriculum
The hybrid program blends 18 weekly 2-hour classes—combining in-person classes hosted at Kean University in Union 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
- 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—including more than 60 New Jersey graduates—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.
“ICIC’s Building for Growth program helped me sharpen our strategy, strengthen documentation, and empower our team. As a result, we earned Port Authority certification, stepped into prime contracting, achieved record revenue, and grew our pipeline threefold.”
LEON DAVIS
CEO, CheckMate Communications & Electric
Jersey City, New Jersey
BFG New Jersey Program Alumnus
Nominate a Business for BFG
Do you know a construction business that’s ready to grow?
Nominating a company allows our team to reach out directly and invite them to apply for the Building for Growth program. Referrals from partners, alumni, and supporters help us connect with contractors who might not otherwise hear about the opportunity.
Note: Nominations are welcome, but not required—any eligible business is encouraged to apply directly.
Thank You to Our Partners
Building for Growth is delivered in partnership with Forward Planning & Solutions. The New Jersey cohort is offered to all participants at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters:
