BOSTON, MA — Suffolk, a real estate and construction enterprise, recently kicked off the 10th Boston Cohort of its Build With Us @ Suffolk accelerator program for trade partners and subcontractors, particularly minority-, women-, and veteran-owned business enterprises (M/W/VBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), and U.S. Small Business Administration-certified (SBA) businesses. During its more than 40-year history in Boston, Suffolk has relied on partnership and collaboration with subcontractors to build some of the city’s projects, including the Boston University Center for Computing & Data Sciences, Boston Logan International Airport Terminal E, and Winthrop Center.

Recognizing potential barriers facing smaller M/W/VBE firms, the eight-course Build With Us @ Suffolk program helps them open doors, expand their businesses, develop important relationships, and make their mark on the industry. The program has graduated nearly 250 small businesses throughout the country since its launch in 2012. The four-week intensive curriculum includes hands-on modules led by Suffolk leadership and is designed to help participating firms better understand the business practices and processes necessary to partner with Suffolk and large general contractors on projects. Unlike most construction training programs, Build With Us @ Suffolk provides direct access to Suffolk leaders by assigning mentors who nurture and maintain relationships with participants after graduation. Participants introduce themselves and form relationships with industry insiders, find support and guidance, and potentially even market their services.

"We are excited to welcome this year’s largest Build With Us @ Suffolk cohort to our Boston headquarters,” said Keith Couch, General Manager of Suffolk’s Northeast region. “Build With Us @ Suffolk not only helps M/W/VBE businesses in construction by addressing challenges — including opportunity and access to projects — the unique and innovative program exposes them to high-level best practices, paves the way for potential opportunities with large general contractors, and offers the knowledge necessary to pursue complex jobs in today’s market.”

Diego Pereira, Owner of Pereira & Sons Contracting, Inc., is looking forward to participating in the program, the opportunity to be connected with Suffolk leadership, and graduating with increased industry knowledge and a mentor to help extend the relationship and provide ongoing support as he grows his business.

“As a minority, I am both appreciative and grateful for the chance to participate in the Build With Us @ Suffolk program,” Pereira said. “I’m honored to be welcomed into Suffolk, which is going beyond recognizing and valuing diversity in the workplace to partnering with businesses like mine to help support our growth in this competitive industry.”

Louie Silva, Owner of Salem Quality Services, Inc., said that participating in Build With Us @ Suffolk is helping him to live the American dream.