MMSD Business Capacity Development Program

Business Development

​PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Business Capacity Development Program (BCDP) is designed to increase the capacity and capabilities of small, women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses (S/W/MBE firms) to better compete for and participate in MMSD projects. The program increases business owners’ knowledge and confidence in key areas for business success.

In collaboration with established businesses, organizations, and mentors, program participants are able to partake in customized training and mentoring, including:

  • Live online business development training seminars
  • Online training curriculum
  • One-on-one business mentoring

Participants prepare and plan for business improvement, increasing the likelihood of thriving in their industries, and thereby increasing their own success and creating opportunities for others to do the same.

Who Should Participate?

The BCDP is designed specifically for businesses that are certified or taking steps to become certified as an SBE, MBE, WBE, VBE, or DBE.  Individuals who should attend include:

  • Business owner
  • Operating officer or other key staff
  • Critical decision-makers from the firm

Representatives of local non-profit organizations or non-certified firms may also participate if their work relates to MMSD.

2022 Upcoming Events

Contractor and Consultant Networking Event

Friday, May 13, 2022 - 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Location: CDM Smith Office

330 East Kilbourn Avenue

Marketing Center (main floor)

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Register here.

 

Contractor Panel Discussion & Networking Lunch

Thursday, May 26, 2022 - 11 AM - 1 PM

Location: Global Water Center

247 West Freshwater Way

Milwaukee, WI 53204

Register here.

Training Seminars

The virtual training seminars replace the in-person seminars that were held in previous years.  The virtual seminars are free live online classes hosted through Microsoft Teams.  The training seminars are divided into three areas of interest.

Construction Management Series

The construction management series is geared toward contractors wishing to hone their skills in estimating, bidding, and project management.  Professional services vendors (consultants) are welcome to attend these seminars, as well, but should keep in mind that the curriculum is primarily based on the construction bidding and operations process.

Consultant Series

The consultant series is geared toward professional services vendors wishing to hone their business financial acumen, company culture, and project management skills.  Other vendors (contractors or suppliers) are welcome to attend these seminars, as well, but should keep in mind that some curriculum may be based in the design/engineering process.

Special Lean Series

The lean series is geared toward all vendors (contractors, consultants, and suppliers) looking to add value to their customers and learn how to navigate a project from development into execution.

Online Training Curriculum

All participants will have access to the online curriculum.

The online curriculum allows participants to experience the value of business development training without taking valuable time away from their work.  Additionally, participants have more opportunities to incorporate what they are learning into their business and reflect on the impact of what they’re doing.

Networking Events

Throughout the program year, a variety of networking events will be held to encourage relationship building amongst BCDP participants, MMSD staff, and other MMSD vendors.

For inquiries regarding the program, please email swmbe@mmsd.com.