Strong Foundations Program
By making the commitment to attend all instructional courses, you will gain benefits to help you strategically position your company for success in the commercial construction industry.
Value for Minority Construction Companies
Brought to you by the Construction Allies in Action: A Diversity & Inclusion Initiative by the Builders Exchange of Michigan.

Practical Knowledge
Hear from industry experts over the course of seven months and gain knowledge on a range of topics from legal documents to accounting.






Mentor Match
Matched with a mentor Ally, who will help encourage your company’s growth, endorse the work your company does, and provide letters of recommendation.






Complimentary Membership
One year of membership with the Builders Exchange of Michigan, and access to all benefits offered to members-only.






Graduate Certificate
Certificate of completion to be presented to you at the end of the year graduation and awards ceremony.






Additional Training
Access to select training seminars, benefits, and services free to your company, funded by the Construction Allies in Action initiative.


Program Overview
Each Minority Construction Company is registered for the Minority Business Strong Foundations Program for a full year.
- Months 1 – 7 | Attend 2-3 hour sessions (1 per month) with industry experts specializing in many fields from finance to retaining employees.
- Months 8 – 12 | Get connected with an Ally who is committed to being an advocate, encouraging growth, and helping your company navigate through the commercial construction industry.
- Month 12 | Graduation & Awards Ceremony
Latest News
Check out our news page to see featured articles on Minority Construction Contractors who are successful in the commercial construction industry, press releases, and event updates.
Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration
Jodi van Haren established Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration (AMR) in 2001. After working for a mechanical contracting company out of high school, she knew that along with her drive and passion for business, she had a great foundation to own a company in the...
Lindsay Alldaffer Earley
As the daughter of a semi-truck driver, Lindsay Alldaffer Earley earned her first dollar when she was around 3 or 4. Her father tasked her with polishing the wheels and cleaning all the corners and crevices because she was small enough to fit inside. "He taught me...
R&R Mechanical Services
Ruben Ramos joined his brother as a partner at R&R Mechanical Services in 2010, two years after his brother, who had been in the industry since his high school years, founded the company. The first large-scale project R&R Mechanical Services completed was the...