Contractors Accelerator

Streamlining access to public sector contracts for small businesses.

About the Program

The Contractors Accelerator supports diverse-owned businesses in the construction trades in accessing new revenue opportunities and capital connections and accelerating business growth.

Our first cohort of 2026 will be held in-person, focused on contractors interested in residential rebuilding and fire-damaged projects in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. Participants join a trusted network of local builders who collaborate, share best practices, and uphold accountability—ensuring recovery dollars stay in the community and rebuilding creates long-term economic opportunity.

Vernon Willie James - Vested Solutions
“The Contractors Accelerator program helped us pursue and get awarded a new contract that is $12.6M for 7 years that starts in July. We were also recently awarded a new contract to provide janitorial services for the San Diego Fair.”
– Vernon Willie James, Eternal Love
Fay Glass - Focus Point Emergency Management Consulting Services LLC
“The Contractors Accelerator program broke down the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) process and recommended contracts that I would benefit from applying for. With the knowledge I have gained, I have successfully submitted two RFPs that are under review!”
– Fay Glass, Focus Point Emergency Management Consulting Services LLC

Program Benefits

6-In Person Trainings

Live in-person sessions focused on fire-resistant building, contracts, trauma-informed client approaches, and scaling your business.

1:1 Expert Coaching

Personalized guidance to strengthen your business infrastructure, prepare for contract bids, and increase your financial capacity.

Capital Connections

Capital, contract, and partnership connections with industry-specific matchmaking and networking opportunities.

Program Eligibility

  • Location: Must be located in Southern California.
  • Altadena & Palisades Preference: Preference given to applicants with experience pulling permits in LA County and those with meaningful connections to referrals from the Altadena and Palisades communities.
  • Business Capacity: Demonstrated capacity to grow your business. Evaluation criteria includes years in business, annual revenues, licensing, insurance, and past project experience.

Schedule

Applications:

Open January 28, 2026 | Close February 18, 2026

Learning Sessions:

Kickoff: March 3, 2026

In-Person Sessions: Six 1-hour in-person sessions

Graduation: April 8, 2026

Business Coaching:

Participants will have access to office hours after each session and ongoing technical assistance through June 2026.

Program Partners

BEACON (Build, Empower, Advocate, Community Outreach Network) provides curriculum and technical assistance for this cohort. BEACON ensures contractors have the support necessary to complete projects successfully, creating positive outcomes for homeowners, contractors, and the broader community.
Beacon Los Angeles logo in white text on a dark gray background

Program Funders

The Contractors Accelerator was made possible with the generous support of Columbia Bank, Comerica Bank, and Invest in Our Future Foundation.

Columbia Bank logo in bold black text with a two blue rounded arrows on top of each to the left of the text
Comerica Bank Logo in white text on a blue trapezoid with white border
Invest in Our Future logo in blue text with yellow circles from small to big to the left of the text

Questions?

Contact [email protected] | Phone: (562) 253-9431

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