Bermudian entrepreneurs will have a chance to get ahead in the construction industry thanks to a new initiative launched by the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation (BSBDC) and Government yesterday.

The agreement, which was officially announced between the BSBDC and the Ministry of Works and Engineering at a meeting, will provide a number of opportunities for graduates of the BSBDC's Small Business Construction Incubator programme to take on contracts for projects such as public building upgrades, renovations and repairs, roof painting.

Minister of Works and Engineering Derrick Burgess said the Department of Lands, Buildings and Surveys has set aside $1.05 million for such developments.

"The government is committed to increasing the pool of contractors equipped with the capacity to provide competitive bids and services to facilitate public sector projects," he said.

"In conclusion, it is our firm belief that this joint partnership will lead to new opportunities for small businesses on the Island as the primary goal of this initiative is to strengthen the leadership of small construction businesses, thus allowing them to thrive as Bermuda forges ahead in these troubled economic times."

Detroy Smith, owner/manager of DS Services, which specialises in general maintenance, painting and carpet installation, gave an insight into how the Small Business Construction Incubator has helped him and what the agreement meant for his business.

Finance Minister Paula Cox said the BSBDC's goal was to allow entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities handed to them through public-sector initiatives and ultimately help them grow their businesses.

"This agreement details that a portion of the construction-related works under the remit of the Ministry of Works and Engineering will be allocated to these men and women who have taken the time to better equip themselves as managers and business owners," she said.

"The Ministry of Works and Engineering has graciously extended a hand to the participants of the course and will set aside a portion of the maintenance contracts to be carried out by the BSBDC Small Business Construction Incubator participants. This will allow the skills participants have learned in the class to be carried out in the field."

Technical advisors from the BSBDC and the MInistry of Works and Engineering will be on hand to help participants in the Small Business Construction Incubator, while they will also be assigned in-house support and a co-ordinator by the BSBDC.

The Small Business Construction Incubator was launched two years ago and has since seen 38 participants graduate from its ranks, including masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, excavators, truckers and painters, with a further 14 students expected to complete their course in January 2009.

The content of the modules has featured specific business and management training for the construction sector, ranging from project supervision, crew leadership, construction contracts, health and safety regulations and quantity surveying, as well as presentations about payroll tax, social insurance, pension and health insurance obligations, banking and accounting.