Contractor’s College opens application process to B.R. businesses

Applications are now being accepted from small construction businesses in Baton Rouge that want to participate in a new initiative by Mayor Kip Holden aimed at helping them compete for city and state contracts. A part of the Business with Baton Rouge program, the Contractor’s College will amount to two days of seminars at the River Center focused on all steps of the contract procurement process, from bonding and insurance to bidding and obtaining required certifications. “This new Contractor’s College is another step in our continuing effort to strengthen the local pool of qualified contractors and to help small-business owners achieve success,” Holden says in a news release. Applications will be accepted online here through Nov. 16. Though aimed at small businesses, the program is open to all contractors, regardless of annual revenue. The Contractor’s College will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to noon. Southern University’s Small Business Development Center will provide mentoring and coaching.