Contractors Business Essentials: A Launchpad for Small Business Success

Do you have the industry expertise to ignite growth? AGC of America is seeking passionate professionals, educators, and subject matter experts to help shape "Contractor Business Essentials: A Launchpad for Small Business Success." This virtual, on-demand course will equip construction firms with essential knowledge and resources to enhance their business acumen, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable growth. Join us in empowering the next generation of successful contractors!

We need your expertise to:

• Develop and deliver impactful virtual learning content
• Share practical, real-world insights that make a difference
• Be a mentor and guide to the next generation of construction leaders

Join us in creating a launchpad for small business success. Volunteer your expertise to help support growing small businesses.

Course Format:

This course will be delivered virtually with pre-recorded modules allowing participants to learn at their own pace. Each module will cover core business topics essential to running a successful construction company, and module presentations should not exceed 90 minutes in total duration. Modules will be broken down into short 5-15 minute segments that cover a specific topic related to that module. Please watch this clip of a completed module to familiarize yourself with the course format, recording environment, and delivery expectations. Completed Module

What to Expect:

Selected proposals will follow the submitted proposal course content outline to develop a PowerPoint presentation, using an AGC-provided template. All presentations must be submitted to AGC staff at least three weeks before the recording date. Additionally, a screen will be available off-camera to assist speakers by displaying their notes during recording. To utilize this feature, speaker notes must be submitted at the same time as the module presentation.

Recording Details:

• Filming will take place on July 22 and 23, 2025, at AGC’s national office in Arlington, VA.
• Each module will have up to two hours for recording. Module presentations should not exceed 90 minutes in presentation time.

Travel Requirements:

• AGC will reimburse up to $700 in travel expenses and will cover one night at an AGC-designated hotel, located directly across the street from the recording location. 

Course Modules:

The objectives and module topics outlined below serve as a guide. We welcome your expertise in refining, expanding, or streamlining content while ensuring minimal overlap across modules. Each module presentation should not exceed 90 minutes in total duration.

We are accepting speaker proposals for the following course module titles:

Company Organization 
Objective: Establish the foundational structure and operational plan for a new construction business. Topics may include:  

• Company structure and legal entity types  
• Developing a comprehensive business plan  
• Creating standard operating procedures  

Workplace Legal Compliance 
Objective: Ensure participants understand the critical regulations impacting their business operations. Topics may include:  

• Overview of essential regulations  
• Labor and employment issues: union vs. open shop  
• EEO laws  
• Wage and hour laws  
• Immigration laws  
• OSHA laws  
• Documentation and record-keeping requirements  
• Creating a comprehensive employee handbook  

Insurance and Bonding 
Objective: Equip participants with an understanding of insurance, bonding, and risk management practices critical to protecting their business and ensuring project success. Topics may include:  

• Understanding insurance and surety bonds  
• Risk exposures and project delivery methods  
• Navigating the insurance and bonding market  
• Compliance and risk management  

Business Development 
Objective: Equip participants with strategies and tools to grow their client base, foster relationships, and secure projects to scale their businesses effectively. Topics may include:

• Networking and relationship management  
• Develop a clear value proposition and marketing plan  
• Project pursuit  
• Accountability in tracking and managing business development efforts  
• Developing and maintaining long-term relationships  
• Expanding into new markets  

Contracts 
Objective: Provide foundational knowledge of construction contracts and how to negotiate, interpret, and manage them effectively. Topics may include:  

• Understand common contract types, their uses, and key components of construction contracts  
• Scope of work  
• Payment terms  
• Claims and change orders, including dispute resolution processes  
• Mechanics liens and payment bonds  
• Indemnity and risk transfer  
• Consequential and liquidated damages  
• Force majeure and material price escalation 

Financials and Cash Flow 
Objective: Enable participants to manage finances effectively to ensure profitability and sustain operations. Topics may include: 

• Credit and financial health  
• Construction business cycle  
• Learn the fundamentals of construction accounting  
• Understand key financial documents such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
• Identify strategies for effective cash flow management
• Develop budgeting and forecasting skills
• Maximizing bonding and banking capacity

Submission Requirements:

All proposals must be submitted using Proposal Space. AGC will not consider proposals submitted through another format.

Please submit one proposal per topic and avoid combining multiple topics into a single proposal. You may submit up to three proposals in total. All proposals must be received by 11:59 pm EDT on Friday, April 18, 2025. 

Interested speakers should submit the following materials: 

1. Statement of Expertise: Describe your background and qualifications related to the proposed topic(s). 
2. Previous Speaking Engagements: Describe any previous experience you have presenting at a virtual or in-person AGC event. Or any other relevant experience presenting to a construction-related audience. 
3. Proposed Content Outline: Provide an outline summary of the subject matter you would cover in a pre-recorded module including estimated presentation time. Presentation of the content should not exceed 90 minutes. 
4. Sample Video Presentation: Submit a short video demonstrating your presentation style, ideally on a topic related to one of the proposed modules, or include at least one link to a previously recorded presentation within the last two years.

Evaluation Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on: 

• Relevant industry expertise and topic knowledge 
• Practicality and applicability of proposed content for small and emerging construction firms 
• Ability to present information clearly and effectively 
• Ability to engage an audience 

Questions?

For more information, contact Angela Barnes at angela.barnes@agc.org or Brynn Huneke at brynn.huneke@agc.org.