BOSTON — The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) proudly announces the ongoing success of its Building for Growth (BFG) program, an innovative, national, online, tuition-free executive education initiative. Designed to help primarily BIPOC-, woman-, and veteran-owned construction contractors build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies, BFG has empowered more than 160 companies across 29 states since its launch in 2022.

Transformative Impact on Construction Businesses

The BFG program offers 18 online weekly classes, dedicated technical assistance, and long-term mentorship, enabling construction businesses to scale successfully. Participants gain access to expert insights, practical tools, and a supportive network, resulting in increased profits and community impact.

Brandy and Eric Cajudoy, owners of Cajudoy Construction in Maui, are prime examples of the program’s success. Despite facing devastating wildfires in 2023, they leveraged the skills and knowledge gained from BFG to rebuild and grow their business. “BFG helped us put our pitch together. That pitch allowed us to sell ourselves to a bookkeeping company, which certified our financials. From there, we were able to get approved through our bank for the line of credit we needed to bid for larger state jobs,” said Brandy Cajudoy. Their story highlights how BFG equips businesses to navigate crises and emerge stronger.

Building Networks and Expertise

Liseth Velez, founder of LJV Development and a proud immigrant from Colombia, also benefited from the BFG program. After serving in the United States Air Force, Liseth launched her construction management firm, which has since been recognized as the Massachusetts Veteran Business of the Year. “ICIC’s Building for Growth was a great program. They brought in a lot of construction experts. We saw how some of the construction managers were going through scenarios, finding resolutions, mitigating risk. It also helped me expand my network significantly,” Liseth shared. Her experience underscores the value of the program in providing industry-specific knowledge and expanding professional networks.

Join the Building for Growth Program

ICIC invites construction contractors to apply for the BFG program. With a proven track record of helping businesses scale successfully, BFG offers the tools and support necessary for sustainable growth. Apply now and transform your business with ICIC’s Building for Growth program. For more information and to apply, visit ICIC's Building for Growth program page.

About

Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is the widely-recognized authority on accelerating small business growth in under-resourced communities. Founded by renowned Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter 30 years ago as a research and strategy organization, today ICIC drives inclusive economic prosperity in underserved communities through innovative research and programs to create jobs, income, and wealth for local residents.