About Building for Growth

Accelerating Profitable Growth for BIPOC- and Woman-Owned Construction Contractors 

Building for Growth (BFG) is a new tuition-free executive education program designed by ICIC that aims to help BIPOC and woman construction contractors build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies that position their businesses to increase revenues and profits.

BFG’s inaugural cohort will begin in Spring 2022 with a maximum class size of 50 companies that are independent, for-profit corporations in the construction industry, at least 51% BIPOC- or woman-owned, and have annual revenues of $2MM – $10MM, or be on course to reach or exceed $2MM within the next three years (companies with current revenues below $2MM will be evaluated based on recommendations from nominators, and the business’s growth trajectory and readiness to benefit from this program).

Why Enroll in Building for Growth?

Thinking strategically is about deciding which opportunities to focus your resources and efforts on and, more importantly, knowing which opportunities to forgo.

The BFG program will help you create a strategy in which you carefully assess and choose potential opportunities to set your business on a path to sustainable and profitable growth as well as a detailed tactical road map for executing your strategy through greater access to capital, top notch technical assistance and mentoring, and a deeper and broader network of contacts.

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’s Seven Learning Modules

The virtual program combines online classroom training, dedicated technical assistance, and long-term mentorship. Each of these components focus on providing you and your business with the tools required to access capital and secure profitable contracts.

Curriculum

To learn more about the program’s curriculum, please read our in-depth outline of the seven modules and what each participant can expect. Learn more.

What Makes BFG Unique?

ICIC has a long track record of helping small businesses think strategically, access capital, and achieve profitable growth. Our programs are built to deliver a world-renowned learning experience so that participants come away with the tools to succeed and grow in a highly competitive and challenging business landscape.

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

BFG’s inaugural class will be limited to 50 businesses. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all seats are filled, so we encourage you to apply early while openings remain.

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 $2MM-$10MM, or be on course to reach or exceed $2MM within the next 3 years*

*Companies with current revenues below $2MM will be evaluated based on recommendations from nominators, and the business’s growth trajectory and readiness to benefit from this program. 

Nominate & Apply

Are you a business owner interested in participating in the BFG program? Start your application process by filling out our initial application.

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

Contact us

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