SPECIAL EDITION - MBEConnect

Building Success through Support and Education
Fostering strong business relationships with
minority- and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs) is a
top priority for the JE Dunn Construction Company, and
that commitment goes beyond simply doing business with
diverse companies. JE Dunn actively seeks to improve
the M/WBEs in the communities it serves through its own
business education program. The Minority Contractor
Business Development (MCBD) program developed by
JE Dunn gives participating M/WBEs the business development
tools they need to conquer today’s competitive
environment. Through this program, MBEs expand
their business development skills to better compete in
the construction industry and do
business with JE Dunn.
The idea for the program first
came about in 2005, and by January
of 2006, the first MCBD classes were
being held at JE Dunn’s Kansas
City headquarters. Classes are
led by Marvin Carolina, Vice
President of Diversity and Kay
MINORITY CONTRACTOR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM
the group during their personal lunch hours and discuss
topics such as safety, marketing, human resources,
project management, planning, scheduling and business
structure. In addition to the monthly classes, participants
are paired with an experienced mentor to provide additional
support and resources outside of the classroom.
All classes and program activities are free of charge for
participating M/WBEs.
Admission to the program requires an application and
interview process. Ideal program candidates have been
established for 2 – 3 years, are growing in size and capacity
and are involved in a construction-related field. Businesses
should have a desire for improvement
in the basic business development
areas covered by the MCBD program.
In order to ensure that the participants
are an ideal fit for the program,
JE Dunn works with community
leaders to identify companies that can
benefit the most from participating in
the program.
Saunders, President of Bellewether,
Based on the success of the Kansas
a woman-owned business operation
consulting firm. Bellewether worked
A glimpse inside the Minority Contractor
Business Development Program
City program, the MCBD program
expanded to other cities in 2011,
with JE Dunn to construct a well-rounded curriculum with including Denver in March, Houston in September and
robust courses in a variety of areas where M/WBEs tend to Atlanta in December. Plans for program expansion in 2012
struggle. Research indicates that many small businesses include Minneapolis, Dallas, Charlotte and Savannah. With
struggle with professional development and social skills, each new class, the number of attendees in each city
so JE Dunn and Bellewether incorporated these skills has increased, with 12 in Kansas City, 14 in Denver, 23
into the MCBD program curriculum. Other key business Houston, 27 Atlanta. Ideally, each class will not exceed
development areas presented in the MCBD program 30 participants.
include communication, ethical behavior, problem-solving, Coursework lasts for two years, and after successful
decision making, self-managing, interpersonal behavior, completion, participants are given a graduation ceremony.
professionalism and multiculturalism.
Members of the community, diversity organizations and
As a diverse business, Bellewether understands the other companies are invited to attend these ceremonies.
struggles that other small businesses experience. Using Program graduates are left with a solid business
Bellewether’s services and relevant experience for the relationship with JE Dunn, and the company ensures that
MCBD program curriculum is strategic for JE Dunn, as they are in a position to do business with each other.
it keeps the MCBD program grounded, effective,
Business often grows exponentially for program graduates
and focused.
with a newfound confidence that translates to comfort
Participating businesses attend classes facilitated by JE with other businesses, leading to more successful projects
Dunn for a full day on a monthly basis. Even lunch offers
opportunities to learn; JE Dunn team members address
for the M/WBEs and JE Dunn alike.
MBEConnect Profiles | MAMSDC SPECIAL EDITION 39