Dedicated to Your Business
At Hensel Phelps, our unwavering commitment to supporting small businesses and cultivating an inclusive, dynamic industry environment sets us apart as a leading general contractor. We take pride in raising the bar by prioritizing small business outreach and maximizing participation on every project. Our team understands the importance of connecting with a diverse range of small and emerging businesses at every stage of preconstruction, purchasing and construction. Beyond hosting and attending outreach events, we actively seek opportunities to help contractors streamline operations and build strong partnerships with larger trade partners. Through prequalification and the thoughtful management of scopes of work, we help create pathways for small businesses to thrive.
We regularly organize networking events tied to ongoing and upcoming procurements, bringing together local small businesses, elected officials and community members. We ensure our outreach extends beyond the jobsite and strengthens the neighborhoods we serve. Our entire team is dedicated not only to meeting client goals for trade partner participation but also to supporting the growth and development of small business partners. By fostering mutually beneficial relationships, we empower small businesses to flourish and contribute to a vibrant, competitive local marketplace.
Our ultimate goal is to nurture a healthy business community where everyone has the chance to succeed. We invite you to join us in this ongoing effort. If you have questions or wish to get involved in our outreach initiatives, please reach out to us.
Small Business Programs
Hensel Phelps’ commitment to small businesses stems from our strong relationships with small-business advocates and communities. Our Supplier Diversity Group identifies opportunity-ready trade partners and supports them in becoming valuable partners in Hensel Phelps’ procurement process. Alongside national agencies, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), Associated Builders and Contractors of America (ABC), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC), Hensel Phelps has connected small businesses to valuable resources. The Hensel Phelps Mentor-Protégé Program, Technical Assistance Program (TAP), HeadStart Bonding Program, and Emerging 10 Small Business Program are just some of the ways our staff provide local, small, minority- and women-owned businesses insight into how to successfully manage and grow their business.
Technical Assistance Program
Our company’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) is an annual presentation that offers practical support to small business subcontractors with whom Hensel Phelps does –or is seeking to do- business with. Presenters from our procurement and estimating groups, safety, quality control and project management collaborate with our Supplier Diversity professionals to provide a training presentation detailing key contact personnel within the firm, policies, procedures and project expectations –the focus being on fostering a successful and profitable experience working with Hensel Phelps.
TAP addresses many areas where small businesses need our help. These include:
- Scheduling and manpower analysis
- Safety program review and evaluation
- Quality control program review and evaluation
During this presentation, Hensel Phelps also proactively trains small businesses to ensure appropriate cash management. This is achieved through the following methods:
- Assisting with Schedule of Values for payment requisitions to help small business maintain positive cash flow
- Formulating joint checks with second-tier subcontractors and suppliers
- Using bi-weekly payment when needed to help fund payroll
All of the material covered is organized around a central goal of helping these contractors work successfully with Hensel Phelps on our projects –thereby promoting overall growth, and providing new opportunities for the participants.
Bonding Assistance Program
Hensel Phelps understands that as a small business, there may be challenges associated with acquiring appropriate bonds and commercial insurance. To assist, Hensel Phelps has established relationships with specialized companies across the country to provide our Small Business Trade Partners with Bonding Assistance. These trusted relationships aim to break down barriers for small businesses by providing solutions unique to each individual business’s case.
Our Surety Bonding partners currently include:
The Barbour Group – Westminster, Maryland (Head Start Bonding Program Partner)
Merriwether & Williams – Los Angeles, California
Florida Surety Bond – Maitland, Florida
Guignard Company – Longwood, Florida
Anderson & Catania – Nashville, Tennessee
To learn more about our Bonding Assistance Programs or becoming a surety bonding partner please contact Brad Lewis, Corporate Director of Supplier Diversity, for more information.
Emerging Trade Partners Program
The Hensel Phelps’ Emerging Trade Partner small business program is a two-year program based in our Mid Atlantic Region that is focused on engaging opportunity-ready small businesses and identifying capacity-building opportunities with Hensel Phelps. Participants of the program receive direct one-on-one business development and project support in an effort to build relationships with project team members and to communicate best practices for a successful project experience.
Interested in learning more about our Emerging Trade Partner program or looking to start a program in your area? Contact Brad Lewis at [email protected] for more information on how you can participate in our Emerging Trade Partner program.
