About Building for Growth

Accelerating Profitable Growth Primarily for BIPOC- and Women-Owned Construction Contractors

Building for Growth (BFG) is a national, online, tuition-free executive education program that primarily helps BIPOC- and Women-Owned construction contractors build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies that position their businesses to increase revenues and profits. The BFG program launched its inaugural cohort in 2022, which served 54 construction businesses from 19 states. 91% of the businesses were BIPOC-owned and 53% were woman-owned.

The BFG program is led by Steve Lamar, Founder and CEO of Forward Planning & Solutions, who brings 20+ years of experience in supplier diversity, construction, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

In 2023, ICIC is running two BFG cohorts: a Spring cohort (April 25 start date) and a Summer cohort (July 26 start date).

Why Enroll in Building for Growth?

The BFG program will help you:

• Build your backlog: hone your growth strategy and connect with a diverse group of general contractors and corporate purchasers of subcontracting services
• Access capital: refine your pitch for capital and get direct input from bankers
• Increase your bonding capacity: create and refine your bonding application with direct feedback from bonding experts

BFG Curriculum

BFG combines 18 online weekly classes, dedicated technical assistance, and long-term mentorship. The program comprehensively covers all key elements needed to be a successful construction firm.

Classes take place Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. PT (7-9 p.m. ET) for the Spring cohort and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. PT (4-6 p.m. ET) for the Summer cohort. The total time commitment for the program is roughly 35-45 hours. For more detailed information about the BFG classes, please read our Full Curriculum.

Upon completion of the program, participants will become part of ICIC’s Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN), which empowers and serves ICIC’s 6000+ alumni by providing ongoing learning and professional development, visibility and recognition, and a network through which they may explore collaboration and contracting opportunities.

What Makes BFG Unique?

As a participant in BFG, you will gain access to:

• Partnerships: get broad exposure to industry partners, including financial and bonding institutions, municipalities, and large prime contractors
• Peer-to-peer B2B networking: join a vibrant cohort of BIPOC- and woman-owned contractors to build and enhance your peer network
• Individual experts/practitioners: classes will be taught by construction industry practitioners and experts in their respective fields (e.g. the bonding course will be taught by an agent from a surety company)
• Technical assistance: apply practical solutions and growth strategies to your business in real-time

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BFG program, your company must be:

• An independent, for-profit corporation in the construction industry
• At least 51% BIPOC- and/or woman-owned
• Have annual revenues of $1MM-$10MM and/or be on course to reach or exceed $2MM within the next 3 years

Nominate & Apply

BFG is running two cohorts in 2023:

• Cohort 1 (Spring): April 25 start date
• Cohort 2 (Summer): July 26 start date

BFG’s 2023 cohorts will be limited to ~50 businesses each, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. We encourage you to apply early while openings remain.

Know of any businesses that are a good fit for the BFG program? Nominate them to participate.

Nominate Today

Contact us

Have a question about Building for Growth? Contact us at bfg@icic.org or schedule an interest call here.