Metro is set to host a Small Business Networking Event on April 30, inviting businesses interested in participating in the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, MetroRapid. The event aims to connect small businesses with opportunities for significant contracts related to the BRT project.
“BRT will be a transformational project for our region,” stated Sharyn LaCombe, Metro’s senior director of Bus Rapid Transit. “It will bring real economic benefits and reinvestment in our neighborhoods that need infrastructure development. We want to invest in our community that supports us and incubate jobs for the local economy.”
The networking event provides an opportunity for construction managers, contractors, and related companies to explore partnerships for two major BRT contracts. The first contract involves a 9.2-mile Reading Road corridor, with an anticipated debut in 2028 and $167 million in contracts available. Additionally, there are $172 million in contract opportunities for the Hamilton Avenue corridor's 13 miles of BRT lines.
Tara Walker, Metro’s senior manager of diversity & inclusion, emphasized the importance of vendor participation: “BRT will positively impact a lot of people and businesses, including the construction industry. We’ll have a lot of need for vendor participation. This is a chance to get everyone in the same room and help small businesses make connections.”
The event focuses exclusively on construction service providers rather than goods providers. Companies interested do not need to provide pricing proposals at this stage.
“The real purpose is to notify construction businesses about this opportunity, ensure we have the best providers in our pipeline and help smaller local companies pair up with big contractors,” LaCombe added.
Walker highlighted Metro's commitment to fulfilling promises made possible by Hamilton County voters’ support through Issue 7: “We made a promise, and we’re always fulfilling it.”
Interested parties can register for the event titled "Connect. Collaborate. Grow with Metro" on Eventbrite.