The Contractors Assistance Program (CAP) was started by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) in 1992 to provide opportunities for small, minority and/or female contractors to achieve success and independence. The program operates and offers training from three strategically located offices within the state CAP West in Grand Rapids, CAP Central in Flint, and CAP East in the Detroit area. Through a contract with MSHDA, program coordinators handle enrollment, schedule training sessions, secure instructors, and provide on-going coaching and support.

Contractors Assistance Program / Graduate Directory

Qualifying Criteria

• Own their own construction-related business or have been involved in their trade for at least two years. A specific license is not required.
• Have a current annual sales volume of less than $2.5 million.
• Have a current net worth of less than $1 million.
  

Cost

Program Details

The CAP Program offers 12 week training sessions twice a year to small, minority and/pr female contractors. These weekly sessions are held on Saturday mornings during the fall and winter months.

2008 Winter Classes

A wide range of construction related topics are covered including bidding and bonding, bookkeeping, business planning, estimating, financing, human resources, insurance marketing, scheduling, an interactive, hands-on approach lead all of the sessions. This allows participants to network and interact with each other - a key benefit of the program.

Special guest speakers - accountants, architects, attorneys, bankers, contractors risk managers, and other seasoned professionals - are invited to share their expertise and contribute to the program's value.

• Hands-on training that provides practical, sound advice for running your business more effectively and efficiently.
• Networking opportunities with other contractors in the region, which increases your potential for growth.
• General business assistance through a network of experienced service providers.
• Increased access to working capital for MSHDA jobs.

For more information: Contact Diane Bransford, CAP Central Coordinator, at 810-785-9585 or email mshdacapcentral@aol.com.

CAP East is based in Detroit and serves Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties.

For more information: Contact Lawrence Jackson, CAP East Coordinator at 800-820-7662, or email MSHDACAPEast@prodigy.net

CAP West is located in Grand Rapids and serves Allegan, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Eaton, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Ingham, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Van Buren and Wexford counties - plus all counties in the Upper Peninsula.

For more information: Contract Cynthia VanderBosch, CAP West Coordinator, at 800-392-5506 or e-mail MSHDACAPWEST@aol.com.