START to Build

The Specialty Trades Aiming at the Right Targets (START) to Build program has generated over $15 million in contracts by aligning general contractors, developers, and facilities management companies with specialty trade contractors to create an ecosystem that facilitates relationship building and connections to opportunities .

Who Does START to Build Serve?

The START to Build program serves Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) who self-perform in specialty trades such as electrical, plumbing, painting, HVAC, environmental, and more. It also serves general contractors, developers and facilities management companies looking to connect with MBE contractors.

This program has been successful in helping our client MBEs scale and grow. For example, The Paint Doctor started with a small contract that developed into a long-lasting relationship with Turner Construction, and Ochoa Construction and Cronos Contractors won contracts to work on The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design on Georgia Tech’s campus. UJAMAA Construction won opportunities to work with Leapley Construction on Microsoft’s Technology Center at Atlantic Yards in Atlanta.

Expand your customer base, enter new markets, and gain greater access to contracting opportunities, bonding and capital!

“We want to build a consortium of specialty trade contractors, construction firms, developers, and facilities management companies who know each other and are willing to work together.”
– Donna M. Ennis, C.P.F.
Director, Diversity Engagement & Program Development
Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute