Program Updates
Building for Growth
Successfully Scaling Construction Businesses

Offered at no cost to participants, Building for Growth (BFG) is a national, executive education program uniquely designed to help construction contractors access capital, increase bonding capacity, and secure contracts. At its core, BFG takes an innovative approach to construction education by bringing together participants from across the country in a collaborative learning environment that blends practical business education with real-world expertise. The program continues to scale and evolve by offering regionally specific cohorts in Boston and in New Jersey that combine virtual and in-person learning.
The program’s robust curriculum combines 18 weekly classes, dedicated technical assistance, and long-term mentorship. BFG is taught by construction industry practitioners and experts, and comprehensively covers all the key elements needed to build a successful construction firm, including construction law, contract negotiation, and estimating. To date, the program has served 342 businesses across 35 states.
Program Director
Steve Lamar, founder and CEO of Forward Planning and Solutions, is a seasoned construction and real estate development professional with more than 20 years of industry experience. He brings a practical, industry-informed approach that ensures the program delivers measurable results for participating firms.




IMPACT SNAPSHOT: Building for Growth
Program Achievements Since 2022
Key Outcome

77%
Average revenue increase

BFG is strengthening construction businesses through measurable gains in growth, jobs, and capital readiness.
$9.8M
Total capital raised
792%
Average bonding increase
51%
Average increase in workforce
Alumni Spotlight

“BFG is a treasure trove of information. The presenters were dynamite, and the program connected us with people willing to help. It has been instrumental in helping me build and grow my business the right way. The foundation has been set and now it’s time to deliver. A big thank you from me, my family, and my future employees.”
BILLY NEWSOME, Owner and CEO
Quality Premier Construction LLC
Union, New Jersey


Innovation means rethinking how we lead, compete, and grow. ICIC’s Building for Growth program helped me sharpen our strategy, strengthen documentation, and empower our team. As a result, we earned Port Authority certification, stepped into prime contracting, achieved record revenue, and grew our pipeline threefold.”
LEON DAVIS, CEO
CheckMate Communications & Electric
Jersey City, New Jersey

