There are many paths to business success, but hard work is where the rubber meets the road. On Saturday, Nov. 4, more than a dozen industrious small business contractors graduated from the five-week Small Contractor Development Program hosted by Hillsborough County’s Minority/Women and Small Business Enterprise (MBE/SBE) Programs. These entrepreneurs took time outside of running their day-to-day operations to learn new skills and ultimately make their businesses better.

Small Contractor Development Program

• Through this program, contractors can hone their business knowledge in the following areas:
• Bonding
• Business accounting
• Estimating and bidding
• Legal
• Marketing
• Project Management

This free, five-week program is offered twice a year, and class size is limited.

Benefits of the program

Program graduates Theresa and Henry Grace, owners of G & G Transport LLC, found the program extremely beneficial. “We are so grateful to have been a part of the Hillsborough County Small Contractor Development Program class. The information was presented in a clear and concise manner … using real-life examples. The information provided in the course will definitely assist us with growing our business,” said Theresa.

The Small Contractor Development Program is offered to small businesses certified or registered with Hillsborough County and prepares them to take on projects of any size.

Julio Samamed, owner of Samamed Painting and a recent program graduate, shares, “Our testimony is related to the importance of the program to elevate and understand the construction industry, to take our business to the next level, and thus access important commercial projects.”

Congratulations to the Fall 2023 Small Contractor Development Program graduates!

To apply

To certify or register as a minority/woman-owned or small business with Hillsborough County, please visit HCFLGov.net/MWSBE. Please contact Theresa Kempa or (813) 276-2729 to apply for the Spring 2024 Small Contractor Development Program.

The Minority/Women and Small Business Enterprise Programs office provides an opportunity for minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses to participate in the County’s procurement programs, which include construction, contractual services, professional consulting services, and commodities.