A Skanska crew breaking ground on the new Reedy Creek Elementary School in Kissimmee, Florida in May 2025
The program includes workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and site visits to Skanska construction projects and USF Health facilities. It covers essential topics such as project management, financial planning, business development, and regulatory compliance. Graduates benefit from networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers, enabling them to refine business strategies, adopt new technologies, and secure competitive bids.
Tracy Hunt, general manager for Skanska USA Building in Florida, stated: “This is proof that together, we can empower small businesses to grow, innovate, and build a lasting impact in the greater Tampa Bay community.” The program has graduated 47 business owners since its inception, many of whom attribute their growth to the skills and connections gained.
A recognition ceremony for the 2025 cohort is scheduled for October 10, 2025, at USF. Terrie Daniel, assistant vice president of supplier development at USF, said: “The USF Mentor Protégé Program is more than training, it’s an investment in the future of our business community. By equipping firms with the tools to grow and innovate, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive economy.”
Nationally, Skanska’s Construction Management Building Blocks Program, launched in 2007, has trained over 800 companies, resulting in more than $740 million in contracts on Skanska projects. In addition to the Tampa Bay initiative, Skanska offers the Excellence in Construction Leadership Program, an executive-level training for firms aligned with its values and strategies.
The Mentor Protégé Program fosters economic growth in Tampa Bay by empowering small businesses to compete in the construction industry. By providing access to expertise and resources, Skanska and USF are supporting local entrepreneurship and contributing to a more resilient and inclusive regional economy.
