Each year, Small Business Week serves as a national moment to recognize the critical role small businesses play in driving economic growth, strengthening communities and advancing industries across the United States. During National Small Business Week 2026, Hensel Phelps proudly joined in celebrating the contributions of small business trade partners while reinforcing its ongoing commitment to their success.
What Is Small Business Week?
National Small Business Week, led by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is an annual recognition of the vital contributions small businesses make to the American economy. These businesses drive innovation, support job creation and strengthen communities across the country.
In construction, small business trade partners bring specialized skills and regional insight that are essential to delivering successful projects. Small Business Week 2026 offers an opportunity to recognize these contributions while reinforcing the importance of construction workforce development and strong, lasting partnerships.
Supporting Small Business Construction Trade Partners
Hensel Phelps has built a comprehensive approach to supporting small business trade partners through intentional outreach, education and advocacy. These efforts are driven by Hensel Phelps’ core values, reinforcing a commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and helping businesses grow sustainably.
Hensel Phelps continues to invest in industry-transforming programs that reduce barriers and empower small businesses to succeed:
- Technical Assistance Program (TAP): Provides hands-on support to help trade partners strengthen operations, improve processes and build capacity.
- Head Start Bonding Program: Helps small businesses access the bonding capacity needed to compete for larger scopes of work.
- Emerging Trade Partners Program: Focuses on developing long-term relationships with growing businesses and positioning them for future opportunities.
In the fall of 2025, the company partnered with President and Principal Engineer of Tyler Construction Engineers and author Victor Tyler to present a seven-part webinar series on managing a profitable construction business. And most recently, Hensel Phelps invited Kuniklo President and CEO Patti Olds to present on the new disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) reevaluation process.
In addition to these core programs, Hensel Phelps places strong emphasis on education and industry engagement to help small-business trade partners stay informed and competitive. The company actively partners with thought leaders across the construction industry to provide access to free information sessions designed to address real challenges and emerging opportunities.
![Hensel Phelps Corporate Director of Supplier Diversity Brad Lewis [right] Meets with the Barbour Group President/Owner Karen Barbour [middle] and Surety Bond Producer Joshua Lopez [left] to discuss Head Start Bonding Program growth and expansion. The program’s success has been anchored by the unwavering partnership between The Barbour Group, RLI Surety and Hensel Phelps.](https://www.henselphelps.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Hensel-Phelps-Supplier-Diversity-Meeting-e1778088787419.jpg)
Hensel Phelps takes great pride in offering these sessions at no cost, ensuring that small business trade partners have equitable access to expert guidance and industry insights. By combining hands-on support programs with ongoing educational opportunities, the company continues to foster an environment where small businesses can grow, compete and succeed over the long term.
Meet the Team Behind the Mission
The success of Hensel Phelps’ small business initiatives is driven by a dedicated Supplier Diversity team focused on building strong relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for trade partners. Their work extends beyond programs and events, emphasizing direct engagement, advocacy and long-term partnership.
During Small Business Week 2026, the team shared key insights through video conversations that provide a closer look at how Hensel Phelps supports small businesses in practice.
The Five-Phase Approach to Small Business Inclusion
In a conversation regarding the team’s “Five-Phase Approach” to small business inclusion, Corporate Director of Supplier Diversity Brad Lewis and Regional Director of Supplier Diversity James Harper discussed how trust is built with trade partners and the programs they support that are designed to support long-term success.
Navigating DBE Reevaluation
In a second discussion, Lewis joined Manager of Supplier Diversity Michelle Keyser in addressing the evolving DBE certification landscape. The two offered perspectives on reevaluation requirements and how Hensel Phelps is helping its small business trade partners navigate these changes with confidence.
A Continued Commitment to Growth
Small Business Week 2026 serves as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of Hensel Phelps’ commitment to small business trade partners. Through targeted outreach, strategic partnerships and ongoing education, the company seeks to create pathways for success across the construction industry.
As the industry evolves, Hensel Phelps remains focused on empowering small businesses, strengthening the workforce and building partnerships that deliver lasting value for clients and communities alike.
