Construction Training Academy helps contractors bid on City projects

Small contractors interested in working on City construction projects can learn the ropes as part of a new eight-week program facilitated by Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services (MWIS), a Hub International Co.

The Construction Training Academy is designed to prepare small contractors to successfully qualify for, locate and bid on City of Fort Worth contracting opportunities in the construction industry.

Two eight-week cohorts will be offered during 2026-2027, with the first running from November 2026 to January 2027, and the second from February to April 2027. Classes will be offered both in-person and online, with in-person classes taking place at the Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center (BAC), 1150 South Freeway.

The Construction Training Academy is part of the City’s Small Contractor Development Program, a component of the Small Business Development Program (SBDP), and is free for participants.

Get involved

Businesses interested in learning more about the Construction Training Academy are invited to RSVP to attend one of two upcoming outreach events:

3-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Devoyd Jennings BAC, 1150 South Freeway

3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Accelerate Fort Worth, 1150 South Freeway, #600

Additionally, registration is currently open for the first cohort for businesses that meet the following requirements:

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certified, or eligible for SBE certification

Business address located within Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Parker or Wise counties

Registered to do business in Texas (state or county)

One to two years of construction or construction-related experience, which can include experience prior to starting your business. (“Construction-related” experience may include demolition, construction site cleanup, landscaping, flooring, drywall finishing, painting, roofing and similar services.)

Must hold the appropriate license in a trade for which one is required. (If applicable.)

"We are excited to partner with the City of Fort Worth to administer this program, as it reflects the City's commitment to growing the capacity of its local small construction and construction-related businesses,” said Lakeisha Bearden, vice president of program and operations at MWIS.

"From our experience, building contractor capacity results from creating an ecosystem that includes ongoing training, personalized coaching, access to opportunities and strategic support resources to enable small contractors to secure or increase bonding, access necessary capital and confidently pursue contracts."

Graduates from MWIS’ other longstanding small contractor development programs have been awarded $53.6 million in public works contracts, and this track record was instrumental in the firm’s selection to lead the City’s program.

“By partnering with an experienced consultant like Merriwether, we can strengthen capacity-building efforts that equip small contractors with the skills, confidence and technical knowledge needed to not only compete for City of Fort Worth projects, but to ultimately be well-positioned for future contract awards that expand economic opportunity across our community,” said Ori Fernandez, assistant director of the City’s Economic Development Department.

For questions or more information about this program, please email SCDP@imwis.com or call 888-306-9830.

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