The Plan Room hosts workshops, classes, and networking events designed to help contractors and small businesses build knowledge, strengthen business systems, and connect with industry professionals.
Events may include:
Contractor readiness workshops
Business finance classes
Procurement and bidding sessions
Licensing, bonding, and insurance education
Business planning and documentation support
Networking events
Meet-the-buyer and partner engagement opportunities
Professional development sessions
Each event is designed to provide practical information, strengthen business capacity, and support participants as they prepare for opportunities in the construction industry.
Classes
The Plan Room provides ongoing classes to support contractor readiness and business growth. Classes are designed to help participants better understand the business, financial, legal, and operational requirements needed to compete in the construction industry.
Class topics may include:
Business Financing
Budgeting
Estimating and Pricing
Licensing and Permitting
Bonding and Insurance
Human Resources and Workforce Readiness
Recordkeeping
Legal Basics
Reading and Responding to RFPs
How to Read and Understand Construction Documents
Marketing and Business Development
Safety and Compliance Basics
Contractor Operations and Project Management
Classes are open to eligible participants and are designed to provide practical tools that can be applied directly to business operations.
The Plan Room offers webinars and virtual learning opportunities on topics that support contractor readiness, business growth, and professional development.
Webinar topics may include:
Building professional networks
Working with mentors and advisors
Understanding business finances
Preparing for procurement opportunities
Strengthening business operations
Building systems for growth
Understanding contracts and compliance
Developing relationships with industry partners
Webinars are designed to provide accessible, practical information for eligible participants seeking to grow and strengthen their businesses.
In his role as Manager of Mentorship & Business Development, Anthony Walker is driving OneWest’s efforts to empower local entrepreneurs through strategic mentorship and professional growth. With a focus on community collaboration and business acceleration, we’re excited to see Anthony’s leadership strengthen our impact across West Louisville.
(502) 384-0490
Evon J. Smith
Evon J. Smith, a real estate developer with more than 20 years of experience, joined OneWest as President and CEO on January 2, 2018.
Smith is the founding president of Sustainable Community Resources, a real estate development firm with offices in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina that specializes in rural and urban real estate development in low-to-moderate resource communities.
She is a partner on the $100 million, mixed-use South Elm Street Redevelopment Project (now Union Square) in Greensboro, and she led redevelopment of the historic Goler Heights neighborhood in downtown Winston-Salem. That project included construction of more than 20,000 square feet of commercial and retail space and more than 200 new housing units.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C., and completed executive leadership programs at Duke and Harvard universities. She also served 10 years on the North Carolina State Association of Community Development Corporations board, the North Carolina Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advisory Board, and the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership Real Estate Committee.
As President & CEO, Smith will direct implementation of OneWest’s five-year strategic plan, which includes commercial and mixed-use development efforts beginning at the 18th Street and West Broadway corridor. Continuing the work that the OneWest board and volunteers have already begun, Smith will build relationships with government, nonprofit, business and community organizations, and act as an advocate for responsible investments, financial commitments and policies that impact west Louisville.
(502) 384-0490
Tracy Malone
Natasha Wade is the Project Manager of The Plan Room at OneWest, where she works exclusively with contractors to help them strengthen and grow their businesses. She provides guidance on business development, certifications, licensing, capability statements, bid opportunities, networking, and industry resources. With a background in project management, business operations, and community engagement, Natasha is committed to helping contractors build capacity, increase competitiveness, and access new opportunities for success.
“My goal is to equip contractors with the tools, resources, and connections they need to grow sustainable and successful businesses.” – Natasha Wade
Jerad Davidson
In his new capacity as Construction Manager, Jerad Davidson is poised to spearhead OneWest’s development projects. With almost 20 years of experience, we eagerly anticipate Jared’s commitment to responsible revitalization to thrive.
