HACIA’s Contractors Development Program helps construction professionals of all backgrounds acquire the skills needed to successfully grow and scale their construction company, including creating strong relationships and running projects profitable. Participants have direct access to subject matter experts to build know-how and enhance their network. This open-enrollment program includes over 50 skill-focused courses.
This hybrid training program offers valuable courses with practical assignments focused on the following skill sets:
- Business Development
- Operations
- Financial Management
- Core Construction Management Skills
A one-time fee is applied upon approval. This small fee will grant you and your staff access to all the courses you wish to complete. The cost breakdown will be as follows:
- $50 – for businesses with $100,000 in yearly revenue or less
- $75 – for businesses between $100,000 and $250,000 in yearly revenue
- $100 – for businesses over $250,000 in yearly revenue
After completing the 5-minute application, participants will receive correspondence on next steps, which may include a 15-minute interview with HACIA.
Contact Business Capacity Program Manager Marisabel Pozo for additional information – mpozo@haciaworks.org
COURSES INFORMATION
- MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR CONTRACTORS– Word, Excel, PowerPoint: 1/29/24, 1/31/24, 2/5/24 | 4:30 – 7:30 PM | In-person (Must have MS Office Installed in personal computers) | Instructor: Midwest Business Consulting
- By the end of this certification, students will have developed an understanding of essential Microsoft programs and learned how to seamlessly integrate business tools into daily operations, fostering streamlined workflows and maximizing productivity.
- SWOT ANALYSIS: 2/8/24 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM | Online | Instructor: Midwest Business Consulting
- Evaluate your company’s competitive position to recognize the areas that need improvement. Analyze your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Matrix and choose what courses you will take in this program.
- BUSINESS PLANNING: 2/5/24 and 2/6/24 | 8:00-10:30 AM | Online | Instructor: Midwest Business Consulting
- By the end of this course, students should be able to update an actionable business plan by formulating a compelling mission and vision, factoring short- and long-term business objectives, and having clear planning strategies. Students will learn more about their company and staff by creating an organizational chart.
- BOOKKEEPING & QUICKBOOKS: 2/13, 2/15 | 4:00-8:00 | online | Instructor: Lewis University
- Learn about bookkeeping techniques, how to record transactions, and develop a chart of accounts. Learn all the basics and how to set up a QuickBooks account.
- LCP Tracker Software: 2/20/2024 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | in- person| Instructor: CTA
- LCP Tracker offers cloud-based SaaS solutions for certified payroll, construction site compliance, and workforce reporting. Most of government agencies use this software to collect certified payroll.
- ACCESS TO CAPITAL: 2/21/2024 | 4 – 5 PM | In-Person | Instructor: CIBC
- Upon completion of this course, participants will be proficient in evaluating, selecting, and securing, diverse sources of capital, enabling them to strategically fund and sustain their business. Participants will gain insights from professional lenders into effective financial management practices and how to cultivate an inner group of financial advisors.
- INSURANCE AND BONDING FOR BEGINNERS: 2/26/2024 | 3:30 – 5:30 PM | Instructor: AJ Gallagher & Melendez Insurance Group
- Learn about insurance types in construction, the importance of insurance for risk mitigation, common insurance policies. Understand the role of bonding in construction and learn about types of construction bonds.
- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & BEING BANKABLE AND BONDABLE: 3/5/2024 , 3/12/2024, 3/19/2024, & 3/26/2024 | 4 – 6 PM | Online | Instructor: Pueblo Consulting
- At the conclusion of this course, participants will possess an understanding of financial principles, including budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making. They will also learn how to enhance their financial standing to apply for loans and for surety bonds.
- B2G NOW SOFTWARE: Thursday, March 14th | 4-5 PM | in-person | Instructor: CTA
- B2GNow is a diversity management and compliance software used by most governmental agencies, including the City of Chicago, which requires prime- and sub-contractors to report payments during the life of their contracts. Learn about this software, how to submit your certifications and how to comply with this system.
- MARKETING BUILD YOUR BRAND: 3/18/2024 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Online | Instructor: Punch List Consulting
- This overview session on the importance of building your brand through marketing and promotional avenues is interactive and showcases several innovative tools to help own a business.
- MARKETING: WORKING ON A DIGITAL BLUEPRINT: 3/20/2024 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Online | Instructor: Punch List Consulting
- Learn how to use social media channels to market your company and your services in the construction industry.
- MARKETING: WORKING ON A DIGITAL BLUEPRINT: 3/21/2024 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Online | Instructor: Punch List Consulting
- Learn how to use social media channels to market your company and your services in the construction industry.
- SWOT ANAYSIS WORKSHOP: 3/21/2024 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Online | Instructor: Midwest Business Consulting
- Evaluate your company’s competitive position to recognize the areas that need improvement. Analyze your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Matrix and choose what courses you will take in this program.
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT: 2/26 (8a-12p), 2/27 (8a-11a), 2/28 (8a-11a), 2/29 (8a-11a), 3/1 (8a-11a) | online | Instructor: Alpha PM Consulting
- At the end of this 16-hour course, participants will gain familiarity with project management frameworks and methodologies applicable to different types of businesses. This course is designed to cultivate a hands-on understanding of the critical phases in project management: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & control, and closing, with a particular focus on small to medium-sized enterprises. Upon completing the course, participants will receive a certificate and 16 PDUs (Professional Development Units), counted towards your Project Management Professional certification.
- COMMUNICATIONS: Elevator Pitch | 3/28/24 | 4:00 – 6:00 | Instructor: Rodriguez Media Communications
- Crafting a compelling elevator pitch is essential for any business professional looking to make a lasting impression in a short amount of time. In this course, you will learn the art of distilling your business idea or product into a concise, persuasive message that captivates potential investors, partners, and customers. Uncover strategies for tailoring your pitch to different audiences, refining your messaging for maximum impact, and confidently delivering your pitch in any situation.
- RISK AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT: 4/1/24 & 4/3/24 | 5:00 – 7:30 | online | Instructor: Midwest Business Consulting
- This class will equip participants with practical skills in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks in construction projects. They will also learn best practices to manage crises. Upon completing the course, participants will receive 5 PDUs (Professional Development Units), counted towards your Project Management Professional certification.
- SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN CONSTRUCTION: 4/22 | 4:30-6:30 | online | Instructor: Pepper Construction
- Learn about the implementation of green building practices, environmental responsibility in construction, and an overview of green certifications.
- BIDDING & ESTIMATING: 4/8, 4/10, 4/15 | 4:30 – 6:30 | online | Instructor: Midwest Business Consulting
- Learn how to estimate a project and best practices for a successful bid.
- LEGAL & REGULATORY: 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/24 | 5:00-7:00 | online | Instructor: Miller Berger LLC
- Examine legal requirements for operating a construction business. Learn how to read and execute a contract and dispute.
- HUMAN RESOURCES & WORKFORCE COMPLIANCE IN ILLINOIS: 4/16, 4/17, 4/23, 4/24 | 3:30-5:30 | online | Instructor: Workforce Works
- Upon completion of this course, students will understand state regulations regarding workforce. Students will learn methods for recruiting and retaining employees, set standards of conduct and disciplinary policies, and understand the proper way to terminate employees.
- BLUEPRINT READING : 4/29, 4/30, 5/1, 5/2 | 4:00-6:00 | Online | Instructior: Lewis University
- Learn how to read blueprints in construction to estimate and understand projects. Learn the basics of Bluebeam Revu software.
- Navigating B2GNow Platform (Government Software) | TBD | Instructor: CTA
REMAINING PROGRAM DATES TO BE ANOUNCED SOON!
