NAMC's Workshops Series: Preparing your business for bidding on large projects

April 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (CDT)

Description

Workshop Plan for NAMC (National Association of Minority Contractors) Goal: Educate minority-owned construction contractors to prepare them to capture bids from large General Contractors (GCs) and Government Entities. Structure: Each workshop will feature a series of expert-led presentations to help contractors understand key aspects of preparing their business for bidding on large projects. Presentations will focus on the legal, financial, insurance, and banking requirements contractors must address. Workshop Agenda Introduction (15 minutes) •Welcome and Overview (5 minutes) – (Martina & Juan Ortega, Yari) oWelcome attendees, introduce NAMC Board Members, and set the tone for the workshop. oOutline workshop objectives: preparing for large bids, networking, and acquiring new insights. •Introduction to Workshop Speakers (10 minutes) oBrief overview of each expert speaker: Attorney – Law Firm – Jose Chapa III CPA – DWG. Accountants & Advisors Commercial Insurance Broker - JA Gonzalez Agency, LLC Banker – Texas Capitol – Marco Ruiz Session 1: Legal Considerations for Bidding (30 minutes) •Speaker: Lawyer (Contract Law and Compliance) oOverview of legal structures and requirements for bidding on large contracts. oDiscuss common legal pitfalls for contractors and how to avoid them. oUnderstanding government and GC contract terms and compliance requirements (e.g., bonding, licensing). oTips on reading and negotiating contracts for minority-owned businesses. oQ&A: Open floor for questions related to legal concerns. ________________________________________ Session 2: Financial Health and Tax Strategies (30 minutes) •Speaker: CPA (Accounting, Financial Planning, Tax Compliance) oImportance of clean financial records and tax compliance in bidding. oOverview of financial statements needed for bidding (e.g., balance sheet, profit & loss). oGuidance on financial forecasting, budgeting, and maintaining financial stability. oTax strategies for minority-owned businesses, tax credits, and deductions available to contractors. oQ&A: Open floor for questions on financial management and tax strategies. ________________________________________ Lunch Break: 30 Minutes – Sponsored by Texas Capital Session 3: Insurance Needs for Large Projects (30 minutes) •Speaker: Insurance Broker (Property & Casualty Insurance) oUnderstanding the types of insurance needed for large contracts (general liability, workers' compensation, etc.). oHow to select the right insurance coverage based on the size and scope of projects. oKey insurance requirements are often specified by GCs and government entities. oHow having proper insurance can improve your chances of winning bids and managing risks. oQ&A: Open floor for questions on insurance policies and coverage. ________________________________________ Session 4: Banking and Financial Relationships (30 minutes) •Speaker: Banker (Financing, Lines of Credit, and Loan Assistance) oImportance of establishing a banking relationship for business growth and bidding. oOverview of lines of credit, loans, and financing options for contractors. oHow a strong banking relationship can help secure funding for larger projects. oTips on preparing for meetings with banks and getting approved for business loans. oQ&A: Open floor for questions on banking relationships and financial products. ________________________________________ Networking and Closing (30 minutes) •Closing Remarks (10 minutes) oRecap of key takeaways from each session. oInform attendees about upcoming workshops, resources, and how to engage with NAMC further. oThank the experts and attendees for their participation. •Open Networking Session (20 minutes) oAllow attendees to meet with the speakers, ask follow-up questions, and network with one another. oEncourage the exchange of business cards and foster connections. ________________________________________ Workshop Logistics •Location: Various locations across Houston to accommodate contractors from different neighborhoods (e.g., community centers, local business hubs, or conference rooms). •Duration: 3 hours (10 AM to 1:00 PM) •Frequency: Monthly workshops at rotating locations to ensure wide accessibility. •Materials: oWorkshop slides/handouts summarizing key points from each speaker. oResource lists (e.g., links to relevant tax and insurance information, recommended financial tools). oContact information for speakers for follow-up consultations. •Promotion: Use NAMC’s website, email newsletters, social media, and partner organizations to promote the workshops. ________________________________________ Key Considerations •Speaker Coordination: Ensure that each speaker understands the objectives and that their content is tailored to minority-owned contractors in the construction industry. •Follow-up Support: Offer additional resources, such as one-on-one consultations with experts after the workshops or access to a mentor network. •Diversity of Location: Schedule workshops in underserved or strategically important areas of Houston to ensure maximum participation and representation. This plan provides a comprehensive framework to empower minority contractors, build relationships, and enhance their capabilities in capturing large contracts.