Suffolk Construction, Boston’s largest construction firm, is inviting Jamaica Plain minority- and women-owned subcontractor firms to a special course in how to do business on Suffolk projects.
The lack of opportunity for such firms on Boston construction projects has been longtime controversy, including recently in Jackson Square spanning JP and Roxbury. Suffolk started its “Subcontractor Development Series” program last year to help create such opportunities on its projects.
The free, eight-week program will be held in Roxbury starting Sept. 5. It will be limited to 30 participants and the application deadline is Aug. 2.
Applicants can be union or non-union subcontractors that are certified by the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, a Minority Business Enterprise or a Women Owned Business Enterprise. The firms must have been in business for at least two years.
The program includes classes in dealing with Suffolk, managing a project, finances and accessing capital, among other topics. Graduates will receive a certificate and direct access to Suffolk experts. The classes will be led by Suffolk executives and other industry experts.
While the course is open to all qualified subcontractors, Suffolk issued a press release to the Gazette specifically pointing out that “Jamaica Plain area” firms are welcome.
The course is the second form of community-improvement outreach from Suffolk in JP in recent weeks. Suffolk CEO John Fish last month proposed a multi-million-dollar renovation of Franklin Park’s White Stadium through a nonprofit he founded.