Small Business Development Program 2023
The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) created the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) over 15 years ago to help business owners take their business to the next level. The SBDP is an intensive training program designed to assist small, minority, female-owned, and disadvantaged businesses opportunities to make new professional connections, provide a better understanding of how to do business with the City of Atlanta, and help small businesses build their capacity to compete for DWM and COA capital improvement projects. This year’s program will provide new, exciting, and refreshed courses to meet the needs of our participants.
For all inquiries and general assistance, please email: vendordev@atlantaga.gov or call:(404) 546-1428.
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM) continues to offer its intensive training program for small, minority, female, and/or disadvantaged contractors and consultants. The Small Business Development Program helps small companies build their capacity to compete for DWM capital improvement projects.
This year’s program will cover a wide variety of courses, including:
- Planning and Scheduling with Primavera Project Planner
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction
- Construction Accounting and Finance
- Bonding and Insurance
- Contract Administration
- Estimating and Bidding
- Trenchless Sewer Repair Techniques
- Sewer Lateral Rehabilitation
- Professional Services Accounting & Finance
- Project Management Techniques from an Owner’s Perspective
- Human Resources Management
- Building Your Brand
- Doing Business with COA
- Value and Process of Networking
- Negotiation Skills
- Interview Presentation Skills and Development
- City of Atlanta Procurement
- The application period is now closed.
1. Is the SBDP open to firms not currently certified as a M/FBE with the City of Atlanta or DBE with GDOT?
Yes, all small businesses that meet the “minimum requirements” may apply.
2. What are the minimum requirements?
a. Businesses must be operational for at least one calendar year.
b. Businesses must exhibit reasonable success potential.
c. Businesses must be interested in pursuing DWM and any other City of Atlanta projects.
d. Businesses must currently be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State.
e. Businesses must comply with the applicable size standards defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
3. What types of businesses are eligible for the Small Business Development Program?
The SBDP is open to all companies that meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) Standards and the other minimum requirements listed above.
4. Is the SBDP open to firms who have previously attended?
Yes, previous participants are eligible to reapply.
5. Is attendance at the kick-off meeting mandatory to apply for the SBDP?
Attendance at the SBDP Kick-Off Meeting is not mandatory but is highly encouraged.
6. Does the same person have to attend all the training sessions?
Each participating company may designate a proxy/delegate (in addition to the primary enrolled representative), but this must be established (name provided) at the time of enrollment.
7. Is there a cost to attend the SBDP training?
Yes, the program fee is $500 and will be collected on or before October 20, 2023. There is no application fee.
8. Are the training sessions offered throughout the year?
No, the Small Business Development Program has a set schedule. This year, the program will run from October 2023 through January 2024.
9. What is the difference between the Small Business Development Program (SBDP) and the previous Airport’s Construction Business Management Institute (CBMI)?
SBDP Training is more extensive, and each participant is offered a complimentary Business Assessment as part of the program.
10. Do you have to attend all the sessions in the program?
Yes, the SBDP is comprehensive, and the knowledge gained from each training module will be utilized during subsequent modules.
11. Is this the same training session previously offered by SBDP?
No, SBDP training modules are updated and enhanced annually to account for any changes in the industry. New courses have also been added to the program this year.
12. Is the SBDP training only for construction companies?
No, this training is geared toward Architectural/Engineering (A/E), construction firms, and professional services firms related to these industries.
13. Is the SBDP virtual or in person?
The 2023 program will have both virtual and live sessions.
14. Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the Small Business Development Program?
For all inquiries, please contact us by email at vendordev@atlantaga.gov and by phone at (404) 546-1428.