RF Wilkins Consultants recently hosted a significant event with Sen. Leroy Comrie at the 2024 Level Up Your Business. This initiative aimed to provide local construction businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive.

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Hosting a Networking Event for Local Construction Businesses

A Jamaica-based business development and management consulting firm took the initiative to host a networking event last week. The event was specifically designed to support local construction enterprises and equip them with the strategies needed to scale their operations.

RF Wilkins Consultants organized a strategy and networking event on Wednesday night. The aim was to offer construction-related business owners insights from experts and conduct workshops that could assist companies in growing to take on larger construction contracts. As Jamila Glean, a project director at RF Wilkins, stated, "We're hoping this is the sweet spot where they get the information they need for when they're ready for big contracts."

RF Wilkins is a renowned Jamaica-based consultant group that offers a wide range of services to entrepreneurs. These services include fundraising assistance, event management, and compliance projects for government regulations. The firm is currently working on the $19 billion JFK redevelopment project, ensuring that developers hire minority women-owned businesses and report on spending properly.

Equipping Entrepreneurs with Insights and Strategies

The event focused on equipping entrepreneurs, particularly minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), with the necessary insights and strategies. Glean emphasized that though the JFK project has a need for MWBE contractors, the event wasn't just about getting these companies to apply for one specific contract. There are other large-scale projects in Queens, such as at Resorts World Casino and the incoming soccer stadium.

"We hear a lot from developers and prime contractors about the lack of MWBE firms with specific skills. Our event aims to address this by providing them with the knowledge and connections they need," said Glean.

The event attracted a diverse range of entrepreneurs, including HVAC companies, piping companies, general construction firms, electricians, and engineering firms. Senator Leroy Comrie's presence added to the significance of the event.

Targeting Successful Construction Companies for Growth

The event was targeted at companies that had successfully completed a project valued at a hundred thousand dollars or more and were looking to secure larger contracts. These companies often needed to increase their staff and equipment to handle larger projects.

"A lot of firms are built by talented individuals in specific areas but may lack the expertise in backend work and capital. Our event aims to fill these gaps," explained Glean.

The evening brought together around 40 entrepreneurs in a smaller group setting. This allowed participants to interact with each other and engage in various activities. It started with a networking strategies panel, followed by a one-on-one interview with Patricia Robinson from the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation and RF Wilkin's CEO Francilia Wilkins Rahim. Later, Aron Kurlander from the same organization discussed access to capital, and the event concluded with breakout sessions where entrepreneurs bid on contracts and wrote capability statements.