NEW ORLEANS – Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural class of the Construction Contractors College (CCC) in greater New Orleans.
Presented by Capital One Bank in partnership with Start Smart, LLC, the CCC is an intensive 14-week construction business management training program designed to equip and prepare qualified small- and mid-sized business owners in construction fields with the knowledge and guidance they need to bid and win major contractors and then thrive after acquiring them.
The free program is taught by a team of subject matter experts, construction industry professionals and program partners SCORE and Money Management International (MMI). SCORE volunteers will serve as mentors, and MMI representatives will provide personal credit counseling.
CCC aims to create a larger and stronger pool of local contractors able to keep New Orleans growing. The comprehensive program exposes the business owners to the opportunities and information they need to take their companies to the next level. Sessions include: developing and implementing business plans; understanding and preparing financial reports; creating an internal support area; bond readiness; successful bidding; marketing; and much more. Each small business receives one-on-one mentoring, and the mentors continue to make themselves available to the contractors for support following completion of the course.
Graduates who qualify also have access to up to $10,000 in funding to assist in expanding their businesses.
CCC’s in-depth curriculum was developed by Capital One Bank and Start Smart, LLC, a national provider of training, consulting and publishing products and services for corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Headquartered in New Orleans, Start Smart was founded in 2005 by Norman David Roussell, an entrepreneur, consultant and nationally recognized author and speaker.
“There’s a big need for the CCC in New Orleans, where the multi-billion-dollar construction industry requires qualified and certified contractors,” said Mark Boucree, who heads Capital One’s Community Development Banking’s efforts to help and develop small businesses in Louisiana and Texas. “Capital One Bank is pleased to offer this program with Start Smart and Norman Roussell.”
CCC’s first session will begin Thursday, September 8, 2016. The classes are held once a week from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The program will be limited to 10 participants selected through an application and interview process.
To be eligible, candidates must have been in business at least one year and have operated a construction-related company. The company must be a small, disadvantaged, minority, veteran or women-owned business. The application deadline is Thursday, September 1, by 5:00 p.m.
Complete an online application here
