Is your construction, architecture, or engineering firm ready to do business with NJ TRANSIT? This free program could be your next big step.
If you own a small business in construction, architecture, engineering, or a related industry, you won't want to miss this opportunity. NJ TRANSIT's Office of Business Development, in collaboration with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), is offering a free Construction Management Certificate Program designed specifically for small businesses interested in doing business with NJ TRANSIT.
The program runs virtually from September 28 through October 15, 2026, with sessions three evenings per week from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Participants who complete all sessions will earn a Construction Management Certificate and 2.1 continuing education credits, culminating in an in-person graduation ceremony at NJ TRANSIT's headquarters in Newark on October 26, 2026.
And the best part? It is completely free.
Why This Program Matters for Your Business
For small businesses in Essex County, government and public agency contracts offer some of the most significant and stable revenue opportunities. NJ TRANSIT is one of the largest public transportation agencies in the country, with a robust procurement process and a strong commitment to working with small and local businesses.
But competing for those contracts requires more than a strong track record. You need to understand how public agencies evaluate bids, manage construction documents, schedule projects, and navigate procurement processes. That is exactly what this program teaches.
Completing a program like this signal to public sector buyers that your firm is serious, prepared, and ready to deliver. It also gives you direct insight into how NJ TRANSIT makes purchasing decisions, which is an advantage most of your competitors will not have.
What You Will Learn
This is not a general overview. It is a curriculum built to prepare your business specifically for the NJ TRANSIT procurement environment, taught by instructors with real-world expertise.
Who Should Apply
This program is ideal for contractors, architects, engineers, project managers, and business owners in related industries who want to expand their work into public sector contracts. Whether you are just starting to explore government contracting or you are an established firm looking to break into the transit space, this program meets you where you are.
If you are also interested in getting MWBE certified, the Essex County Office of Small Business Development can help with that as well. Certification and programs like this one go hand in hand. Certification opens the door; this program prepares you to win once you are there.
Program Details at a Glance
Format: Virtual — instructor-led live sessions
Cost: Free. Registration required. Selected participants notified by email.
Week 1: Monday September 28, Tuesday September 29, Thursday October 1, 2026
Week 2: Monday October 5, Tuesday October 6, Thursday October 8, 2026
Week 3: Monday October 12, Tuesday October 13, Thursday October 15, 2026
Session Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM each evening
Graduation: October 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM — In person, NJ TRANSIT Headquarters, Newark, NJ
Certificate: Construction Management Certificate + 2.1 continuing education credits
Requirement: Attendance at all sessions required to receive certificate
Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=K6HHFQokXkWc7zysAuPUKlKB7S85MgJDm6Rcqsv6xjZUNzE0RUdWUjhFM1EwTVhZUzExWDZGT1lOOC4u&route=shorturl
Questions: [email protected]
Do Not Wait! Space Is Limited.
Registration is free, but space is limited, and participants are selected by notification. The Essex County Office of Small Business Development encourages all eligible small businesses in our community to apply now.
For more information about free business development support in Essex County, including MWBE certification guidance and government contracting resources, visit ecsmallbiz.org or call us at 973-621-2011.
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