Building for Growth
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.
Created in collaboration with industry experts and offered at no cost to participating businesses thanks to ICIC’s generous funding partners, 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:
- Be an independent, for-profit corporation in the construction industry
- Have annual revenues between $1-10M or be on course to exceed $2M within the next 3 years
- Represent or be located in an underserved community**
*Regional cohorts may have additional eligibility requirements.
**Not sure if you’re located in an underserved community? Apply now to find out.
Apply Now for a BFG Cohort
2025 National Cohort
First Class: October 7, 2025
Last Class: February 24, 2026
This fully virtual cohort is open to U.S.-based construction firms. The program includes 18 classes held via Zoom on Tuesdays from 7:00–9:00 p.m. ET.
Space is limited. Apply early. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled.
2026 New Jersey Cohort
First Class: February 2026
Last Class: July 2026
In-person orientation and graduation dates to be announced.
ICIC and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority are partnering for a second year to bring Building for Growth to New Jersey construction contractors. This hybrid cohort combines in-person classes hosted at Kean University with virtual sessions via Zoom.
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?
Contact us at bfg@icic.org or schedule an interest call here.
BFG Curriculum
BFG combines 18 weekly 2-hour virtual classes, dedicated technical assistance, and long-term mentorship. The total time commitment is about 3-4 hours per week. The program 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 276 construction businesses across 33 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.
“Participating in a program that provided such a thorough and detailed curriculum and content was one of the most fulfilling experiences and time well spent. Every topic was explored in a very open and honest manner. The issues that mattered most to construction businesses were highlighted on a consistent basis. The material shared with the class reinforced the subject matter and allowed us to take a deeper dive on our own time.”
SHIRLEY BOUBERT-RUMBLE
CEO, Usource Construction
Washington, D.C.
Building for Growth Alumna
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 program is offered to all participants at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters:
