Learn
Understand how government contracting works, step by step.
Small business owner in the Merrimack Valley?
Grow your businessExplore new opportunities with government contracts.
A free 12-week program for clean energy and construction trade businesses in the Merrimack Valley, expected to start in November 2026 (exact date TBD). Learn how government contracting works, find and bid on opportunities, and get your business ready to compete.
- 100% free
- No experience needed
- Stipend available
- Hybrid: in person + virtual
- Limited spots
In partnership with
What you'll learn
Navigate
Learn how to find and bid on government contract opportunities that fit your business.
Compete
Prepare your business to pursue government contracts with confidence.
Earn a stipend
Complete the program, attending all but 2 classes at most, and finish your final business plan or RFP project to qualify for a stipend.
What we'll cover
More than contracting: a complete growth program for your business, with hands-on activities every week.
Growth goals & readiness
Assess where your business stands and set clear growth and contracting goals.
Finances & contract pricing
Cash-flow forecasts, budgeting and how to price contracts profitably.
Marketing & buyer outreach
Sharpen your brand and build a buyer-ready capability statement.
Vendor registration & certifications
SAM.gov, COMMBUYS, NAICS codes and certification pathways.
Funding & operations
Capital for growth, plus the staffing and systems to deliver larger jobs.
AI, compliance & risk
Use AI tools responsibly and spot contract, insurance and workforce risks.
Finding bids & writing proposals
Choose the right opportunities and write compliant, competitive proposals.
Partnerships & final capstone
Prime or subcontract strategy, a 90-day plan and a pitch to a buyer panel.
Topics are a preview and may be adjusted before the program begins.
Built for businesses like yours
Established local businesses in construction, maintenance, energy and related trades, ready to take the next step.
Plus roofing, carpentry, landscaping, solar and other related trades. Don't see yours? Many related businesses fit right in.
- Based in the Merrimack Valley
- Typically $250K+ in annual revenue
- A team of 2 or more
- No contracting experience needed
Close, but not sure?Sign up anyway. Our team will review your information and help you confirm.
Join the program
How it works
- 01
Sign up in 3 minutes
Fill out the short form below to join the program list. It's free.
- 02
We follow up with you
You're added to our program list, and as soon as dates are confirmed we'll send you all the details.
- 03
Grow in 12 weeks
Expected to start in November 2026 (exact date TBD). Learn in a small cohort of local business owners, with sessions in Lawrence or Lowell plus virtual classes.
Meet our last cohort
Local business owners who learned, connected and grew together in our most recent ROADS accelerator. The next cohort could include you.
Your business could be nextSave my spot
Limited spots
Save your spot today
Spots are limited. Sign up now and be the first to hear dates and next steps.
- Free to participate
- Takes about 3 minutes
- Signing up doesn't commit you
Questions, answered
Is the program really free?
Yes. There is no cost to participate.
Do I need experience with government contracts?
No. The program is designed to teach you how the process works from the start.
Who can join?
Businesses that operate in the Merrimack Valley, earn $250,000 or more a year, have at least 2 employees, work in construction, maintenance, energy or technical services (or a related field) and are interested in government contracting. The industry list shows general categories, so if you're unsure, sign up and we'll confirm.
How much time will it take?
The program runs for 12 weeks, mixing in-person and virtual classes. The full schedule will be shared with everyone on the program list as soon as it's confirmed.
Is my financial information safe?
Yes. Tax returns and revenue information are handled confidentially, protected with the required safeguards and never shared with third parties.
How does the stipend work?
To qualify, miss no more than 2 classes and complete your final business plan or RFP project. The stipend amount will be announced soon.
Where and when are the sessions?
The program is expected to start in November 2026 (exact date TBD) and runs for 12 weeks in a hybrid format: in-person sessions in Lawrence and Lowell plus virtual classes. Exact dates and times are being finalized. When you sign up, you're added to our program list, and as soon as the details are confirmed we'll send you everything: dates, times, locations and next steps.
Will joining guarantee me a contract?
Contract awards are decided by each agency, so no program can promise one. What we do is give you the tools, knowledge and guidance to understand the process, find the right opportunities and submit stronger, more competitive bids, so your business is ready to succeed.