How Black and Diverse Construction Contractors and Suppliers Can Grow Their Business and Ensure Its Success

Black and diverse construction contractors take note. Supplier diversity matters.

Registration is open for a free, ten-week program that teaches diverse businesses how to succeed in the construction industry as inflation and strained supply chains are impacting many companies. Participants will learn how to work with large contractors like Skanska to scale their business, among other business development topics. The course is specifically tailored for disadvantaged, minority, women, or service-disabled veterans, and emerging small business (DMWSDVESB) firms and veterans.

The no-cost program runs March 7 – May 9, 2023, and applications are due February 24, 2023. Click here to register. Registrations can also be taken until the first day of class, March 7 by calling 971-412-1037 or sending an email to [email protected]. Contractors all over the Pacific Northwest are invited.

Skanska, one of the world’s largest development and construction companies with operations in the Pacific Northwest, is currently accepting applications for the Western Region Construction Management Building Blocks (CMBB) Program.

“Skanska is committed to supplier diversity and inclusion to increase economic equity,” said Lee Fleming, Regional Supplier Diversity Manager.

Lee Fleming, Skanska’s Regional Supplier Diversity Manager, invites Black and diverse contractors to a free training to grow their companies and skills. “Our CMBB program offers support to minority contractors and subcontractors on how to effectively work with a variety of stakeholders, while eliminating barriers to success.”

Classes will take place in person and virtually, covering topics that include competitive estimating and bidding; contract terms and conditions; sustainability and LEED; insurance, bonding and prequalification; environmental health and safety; project scheduling; project planning; business development; marketing; and access to capital. Participants will also learn about Skanska’s current and future construction projects.

Skanska’s Oregon office has awarded more than $144 million in business and contracts to diverse businesses that are designated disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned, disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small-business enterprises (DMWSDVESB), certified through Oregon’s Certification Office for Business Inclusion & Diversity (COBID) and other organizations.

“CMBB helps companies strengthen its workforce and build solid relationships within the industry,” said Fleming. “Connections in this industry often make the difference for smaller or newer firms, to ensure they are more than just a name on a bid list. When we scout vendors, suppliers, and partners, we look for companies that align with our project goals and company values, so cultivating relationships goes beyond transactions.

"We invest in training and equipping others for success in the industry.”

Since 2012, more than 141 firms have graduated from the CMBB program in Oregon and southwest Washington, with more than 500 graduates nationwide.

“By connecting and working together, we can strengthen the community of diverse businesses, and that’s the most important thing we can do to be better together,” Fleming added.

To register for the free Construction Management Building Blocks upcoming program, contact Lee Fleming, Regional Supplier Diversity Manager at [email protected] or 971-412-1037.