Construction Training Academy

The Construction Training Academy is a collaboration between the City of Fort Worth and Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, a HUB International Company, which has been designing innovative small contractor development programs since 1997.

This eight-week / ten-class hybrid (in-person and online) program prepares small contractors to successfully qualify for, locate and bid on City construction contracting opportunities. Graduates from Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services' longstanding programs have been awarded $53.6 million in public works contracts.

This initiative is part of the City of Fort Worth's Small Contractor Development Program (SCDP).

Register now to be part of Cohort #1

Eligibility requirements

There is no cost to participate in the Construction Training Academy, but registration is required and limited to one person per firm. Additionally, businesses must meet the following requirements:

• Be Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certified, or eligible for SBE certification.
• Have a business address within Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Parker or Wise counties.
• Be registered to do business in Texas. (State or County)
• Have 1-2 years of construction or construction-related experience, which can include experience prior to starting your business. ("Construction-related" may include demolition, construction site clean-up, landscaping, flooring, drywall finishing, painting, roofing and similar services.)
• Must hold the appropriate license in a trade for which one is required. (If applicable)

Class information

The Construction Training Academy offers two cohorts for 2026-2027.

Please note: All in-person classes will be held in the large conference room at the Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center (BAC), 1150 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76104.

Cohort #1

• 1-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 – How to Do Business with the City of Fort Worth (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026 – Qualifying Bonding and Insurance (Virtual)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026 – Accurate Estimating and Competitive Bidding, Day 1 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026 – Accurate Estimating and Competitive Bidding, Day 2 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026 – Cost Management & Planning (Virtual)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2026 – Prequalifying with Primes, Day 1 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026 – Prequalifying with Primes, Day 2 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027 – Executing Proper Back Office (Virtual)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027 – Labor Reporting and Compliance Requirements (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027 – Creating a Safety Program (Virtual)

Cohort #2

• 1-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2027 – How to Do Business with the City of Fort Worth (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2027 – Qualifying Bonding and Insurance (Virtual)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2027 – Accurate Estimating and Competitive Bidding, Day 1 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2027 – Accurate Estimating and Competitive Bidding, Day 2 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2027 – Cost Management & Planning (Virtual)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2027 – Prequalifying with Primes, Day 1 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2027 – Prequalifying with Primes, Day 2 (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2027 – Executing Proper Back Office (Virtual)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2027 – Labor Reporting and Compliance Requirements (In Person)
• 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2027 – Creating a Safety Program (Virtual)

For more information about this program, please email SCDP@imwis.com or call 888-306-9830.