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Apply to BEST Cohort
Building with Entrepreneurs in Skilled Trades (BEST) Transforms Skilled Trades Entrepreneurs into Institutional Contractors
Applications Open June 22, 2026
About the BEST Program
BEST (Building with Entrepreneurs in Skilled Trades) is the Center for Community Wealth's flagship business development program for skilled trades entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. Designed for business owners who are ready to grow, BEST provides the training, tools, and networks needed to compete for larger institutional contracts with prime contractors and anchor institutions across Denver and Colorado.
Over seven focused sessions, BEST participants gain hands-on knowledge of procurement, bonding and insurance, MBE certifications, financial management, workforce development, and marketing. During the sessions, participants build lasting relationships with the contractors and institutions that can drive their next phase of growth.
Cohort 2 launches September 10, 2026
Applications open June 22, 2026. Seats are limited.
Learn from Past Graduates
Watch past graduate speeches to learn about their journey.
What You'll Learn
Session 1
Working with Prime Contractors
Understand procurement processes, relationship strategies, and partnership requirements for working with Colorado's leading prime contractors.
Session 2
Working with Anchor Institutions
Navigate institutional procurement, compliance requirements, and relationship-building with Denver's major anchor institutions.
Session 3
Bonding & Insurance Requirements
Build your knowledge of risk management, bonding processes, and insurance requirements essential for competing for institutional contracts.
Session 4
Certifications & Compliance
Learn how to pursue MBE and other small business certifications, and understand the compliance frameworks that matter most to institutional buyers.
[NEW] Session 5
Estimating, Break Even Analysis & Lines of Credit
Master the financial fundamentals of profitable contracting: estimating costs, calculating break-even points, and accessing lines of credit to fuel growth.
[NEW] Session 6
Workforce Development & Employee Ownership
Explore apprenticeship programs, workforce development resources, and employee ownership models. These strategies can help you scale your team and build long-term business value.
Session 7
Building an Effective Marketing Toolkit
Develop a compelling digital presence, build a sales pipeline, and create the capability statement that sets you apart in competitive procurement processes.
Who Should Apply and How to Apply
Is BEST right for you?
BEST Cohort 2 is designed for skilled trades business owners who are ready to compete for larger contracts.
You may be a great fit if you:
Own a skilled trades business and identify as BIPOC, woman-owned, or veteran-owned
Have been operating for at least 2 years with demonstrated trade expertise
Are located in or serve the Denver metro area or surrounding Colorado communities
Want to access larger contracts with prime contractors and anchor institutions
Can commit to attending all seven sessions from September through December 2026
Trades served include, but are not limited to, general contracting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, carpentry, roofing, landscaping, and demolition.
Key Dates
Application & Program Timeline
June 22, 2026
Applications Open + Information Session #1
June 29, 2026
Information Session #2
July 27, 2026
Application Deadline
August 17, 2026
Cohort Finalists Announced
September 10, 2026
First Day of BEST Cohort 2
December 3, 2026
Graduation & Program Completion
Free Information Sessions
Not sure if BEST is the right fit? Join us for one of two free Information Sessions to meet the CCW team, hear from BEST Cohort 1 graduates, and get all your questions answered before the July 27 application deadline.
Information Session #1
Monday, June 22, 2026 at 6:30PM
Information Session #2
Monday, June 29, 2026 at 6:30PM
Both sessions are free and open to any skilled trades business owner interested in learning more about the BEST program.
