ITI Business Development course was created to educate union sheet metal workers on the fundamentals of business ownership to prepare them for the challenges involved in becoming SMART sheet metal contractors.
In this course, participants begin by asking themselves some important questions: Am I ready to own my own business? Do I have what it takes? If I do this, what are the risks? What will be the rewards? Once they decide they have the skills, personality, and support to take on this exciting opportunity, they will learn about the many details they will need to address to get their businesses off the ground.
Because planning is an essential part of running a business or a project, ITI Business Development introduces participants to the tools they need to plan for successful business ownership, including carefully choosing a business name, hiring and keeping the right people, bidding accurately, keeping track of cash flow and more. This program will give participants a jump-start on writing a comprehensive business plan along with exposure to essential marketing and financing strategies used in today’s construction and service markets.
This program is offered through remote sessions in the evening. Sessions are typically two hours (depending on class participation) with approximately two hours each week of independent study.
Business Development will be offered twice in 2026 with Orientation on the evening of 3/30/26 for the Spring session and Fall session to be accounced later this year. Approved registrants will receive an email with more details before the orientation.
Please note that account registration requires administrative approval, during which we verify your SMART member status. Your interest and participation in this program is kept completely anonymous.