Building with Entrepreneurs
in Skilled Trades (BEST)
Transforming Opportunities for
Skilled Trades Entrepreneurs
The construction, skilled trades, and facilities maintenance industries are vital to our community's infrastructure and growth. Yet, minority-owned businesses in these sectors often face systemic barriers, from limited access to capital to exclusion from institutional contracts.
The Building with Entrepreneurs in Skilled Trades (BEST) program empowers historically excluded business owners to overcome these challenges. Through culturally responsive support, strategic market connections, and a thriving professional network, BEST participants gain the tools they need to scale sustainably and build lasting success.
BEST Program Overview
The BEST program equips minority-owned businesses with the skills, resources, and connections necessary to expand their operations and increase market opportunities. Designed to foster collaboration, learning, and business growth, the program's ultimate goal is to help skilled trades entrepreneurs secure larger contracts, access new markets, and scale sustainably.
Program Goals:
Strengthen participants’ capacity to meet institutional requirements and pursue larger contracts
Build a supportive network of skilled trades entrepreneurs sharing referrals and opportunities
Amplify the impact of minority-owned businesses within Denver’s skilled trades ecosystem
BEST Offers
Networking and Workshop Events
BEST provides a space for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. By fostering a strong, mutually supportive community, the program encourages participants to refer opportunities, share resources, and build collective wealth.
Attend community events emphasizing relationship building and shared learning
Gain access to peer support and collaborative referral networks
Circulate dollars within the community to create a self-sustaining ecosystem
BEST is a supportive, inclusive community that does not require membership costs.
Training and Anchor Institution Access
BEST prepares businesses to navigate institutional procurement processes and meet contract requirements. Participants gain direct access to opportunities through training and networking events with major institutions.
Engage in a cohort-based training program modeled on CCW’s Feeding Anchors success
Showcase your services to procurement specialists at exclusive events
Join a curated vendor list shared with anchor institutions and community partners
Skilled Trades Community Ecosystem
The program extends beyond institutional access by connecting businesses to a broader network of community partners. This holistic approach ensures that participants have the resources they need to succeed.
Collaborate with developers, property managers, and prime contractors to access new markets
Gain connections to funding, mentorship, and workforce development resources
Help co-create an ecosystem tailored to supporting minority-owned skilled trades businesses
"It was an absolute privilege to collaborate with Kimberly Bonner and the Center for Community Wealth Small Business Team on the AHEC [Auraria Higher Education Center] RFP. The team's dedication, expertise, and passion made the journey not only successful but incredibly rewarding."
— Alvis O'Neal, Co-Founder, Maven Fire Protection Services