Small contractors are seeking a larger role in San Francisco and Bay Area infrastructure projects. On June 4, the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) brought more than 130 infrastructure leaders to San Francisco to discuss expanding opportunities for small and historically underutilized businesses.
EIP co-founder Phillip Washington said the organization wants to help small businesses become prime contractors rather than primarily working as subcontractors. Bay Area contractor Beshoy Metry, owner of Phantom Builders, said training helped him enter public contracting and secure projects with Caltrans and Alameda County.
Access to financing, bonding and public contracts remains a major challenge for smaller firms. EIP’s “Procurement for Prosperity” initiative encourages public agencies to expand competition and create pathways for small businesses to lead major infrastructure projects in San Francisco, the Bay Area and beyond.
