Seminar helps minority firms get foot in the door

Thirty-seven contractors graduated from the Office of Economic Opportunity’s “Expand Your Capacity to Build Your Business” program this week.

The program was designed to give minority contractors information and tools to build business relationships and expand their capacity to work effectively as prime and sub-contractors on capital projects.

“This program was a unique opportunity for minority contractors to gain essential information on how to successfully run their businesses, and access to opportunities that will help them grow their companies,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter, at a recognition ceremony held Wednesday at City Hall. “The city is investing to help contractors learn about these opportunities, because it’s smart business for the city. Our economy will only grow if all Philadelphians have the opportunity to participate in it fully.”

Contractors attended 12 workshops between September and February.

The seminars brought together 35 industry experts from law, finance, construction, marketing, sustainability, management, bonding and contract compliance who hosted workshops on the challenges and opportunities of running a construction company.

“The Office of Economic Opportunity is proud of this unprecedented program, and will continue to provide entrée for small businesses to build relationships that work, and skills that support the needs of their operations,” said Angela Dowd-Burton, executive director of OEO.

Her office also hosts a monthly ‘Building Businesses and Putting People to Work” workshop for contractors on the third Wednesday of each month.

For details visit www.oeo.phila.gov.