Skanska and the University of South Florida have kicked off the fifth cohort of their joint “Mentor Protégé Program”, a free 12-week course aimed at helping small, local construction businesses scale up and compete for larger projects.
It blends classroom-style learning with hands-on industry exposure. Participants take part in workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and site visits at Skanska construction projects and USF Health facilities.
“This is proof that together, we can empower small businesses to grow, innovate, and build a lasting impact in the greater Tampa Bay community,” said Tracy Hunt, general manager for Skanska USA Building in Florida.
Topics covered include project management, financial planning, business development, and regulatory compliance.
Graduates also gain networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers, connections that alumni say have helped them refine business plans, adopt new technologies, and secure more competitive bids.
‘A stronger, more inclusive economy’
Since its launch, the course has graduated 47 business owners, many of whom credit the experience with accelerating their growth.
A recognition ceremony for the 2025 class will be held at USF on October 10, 2025.
“The USF Mentor Protégé Program is more than training, it’s an investment in the future of our business community,” said Terrie Daniel, assistant vice president of supplier development at USF. “By equipping firms with the tools to grow and innovate, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive economy.”
Nationally, more than 800 companies have completed Skanska’s “Construction Management Building Blocks Program” since 2007, securing over $740m in contracts on Skanska projects.
Alongside the Tampa Bay program, Skanska also runs the “Excellence in Construction Leadership Program”, an executive-level training initiative for firms that align with the company’s values and strategies.
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