Contractor Development Program

People in classroom setting

This comprehensive program provides technical assistance, business development, and financial guidance to small businesses and firms. This program assists contractors with capacity and business growth as well as obtaining bonding so that participating firms are prepared to bid on city projects.

All City SBE and NCDOT certified DBE firms are strongly encouraged to participate in this program. Whether you need assistance obtaining bonding or business development, the Contractor Development Program is a great resource for small businesses and firms to build and strengthen their business.

The Four Pillars of Contractor Development

Assessment & Technical Assistance

  • Enrollment in our Contractor Development Program.
  • Personal Contractor Development Manager to provide a professional assessment of your current capacity and growth needs.
  • One-on-one consultation to develop a work plan aligned with your business needs and goals.
  • Facilitated referrals to Program Partners and resources.
  • Referrals to specific project opportunities.

Bond Readiness Assistance

  • Assistance with obtaining or increasing bonding capacity.
  • Bond Collateral Support and contract finance assistance through a partnership with Carolina Small Business Development Fund.
  • Contract review, project assessment, and field support.
  • Assistance with project risk identification and mitigation.
  • Accounting cost subsidy for CPA-prepared financial statements.

Education & Training

  • Group Classes on public construction best practices led by industry experts.
  • Creation of individualized Contractor Profile to assist with business marketing.

Program Partnerships

  • Strategic alliances with Program Prime contractors including matchmaking and referrals.
  • Networking with public agency staff and peer contractors.

Eligible Applicants

Firms must hold a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification with the City of Charlotte and/or NC DOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification

For those firms who do not hold the requisite certifications, contact the CBI Office at cbi@charlottenc.gov

Workshop Sessions

Workshop Session Dates and Times
Workshop Name Dates Time (EST) Training Program Delivery
OSHA 30 HOUR TRAINING June 10 - 14 8:00 AM ACADEMY
WHY SAFETY MATTERS Tuesday, June 25, 2024 5:30 PM WORKSHOP
OSHA 30 HOUR TRAINING July 12 - 13 & July 19 - 20 2024 8:00 AM ACADEMY
LAYMEN'S GUIDE TO CONTRACT TERMS Tuesday, July 30, 2024 5:30 PM WORKSHOP
HOW TO DO BUSINESS Tuesday, August 6, 2024 2:30 PM WORKSHOP
INSURANCE FOR CONTRACTORS Tuesday, August 27, 2024 5:30 PM WORKSHOP
FINANCIAL 101 Wednesday, September 25, 2024 5:30 PM WORKSHOP
BIDDING & ESTIMATING Week 1 Tuesday, October 8, 2024 5:30 PM ACADEMY
BIDDING & ESTIMATING Week 2 Wednesday, October 16, 2024 5:30 PM ACADEMY
BIDDING & ESTIMATING Week 3 Wednesday, October 23, 2024 5:30 PM ACADEMY
JOINT VENTURES Tuesday, October 29, 2024 5:30 PM WORKSHOP
BIDDING & ESTIMATING Week 4 Wednesday, October 30, 2024 5:30 PM ACADEMY
BIDDING & ESTIMATING Week 5 Wednesday, November 6, 2024 5:30 PM ACADEMY
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