participate on Public Works projects . Our goal is to reduce that barrier and provide them with technical support to enable them to participate in the larger arena of public construction ,” Merriwether said .
A small business ’ participation in the CDABP not only includes assistance with obtaining or increasing bonding capacity and collateral guarantees for bid , payment and performance bonds , but also includes technical assistance , education , training and contractor support .
The CDABP provides contractor assessments , one-on-one consultations and works with contractors enrolled in the program every step of the way . Once a contractor is awarded a contract , MWIS provides a dedicated field support project manager to assist contractors with any technical issues that may arise .
In MWIS ’ 24 years history providing bonding services , they ’ ve only had two contractors fail to complete projects . That calculates to a loss ratio of less than one tenth of one percent .
Merriwether adopts the philosophy of Aligned Risk Management , which is an approach to risk management that manages and reduces risk , while creating opportunity and inclusion for underrepresented business sectors . The firm ’ s risk management consulting service provides construction safety and loss control . They are the owner ’ s representative for all construction safety at San Francisco International Airport .
Merriwether has taught insurance and bonding courses for business entrepreneurs . A highly sought-after speaker and subject matter expert , she frequently lectures at conferences , seminars and events focused on insurance and bonding , and aligned risk management strategies for greater diversity and inclusion in public contracting . Merriwether has earned her Certified Insurance Counselor ( CIC ) designation and is a past member of the Board of Directors of Insurance Brokers & Agents of the West .
Over the course of her 33-year career , Merriwether has received numerous award honors , including being named one of the 100 Most Influential Women ( S . F . Business Times ), Fastest Growing Businesses in the U . S . ( ICIC ), Minority Advocate of the Year , and Minority Business of the Year .
Merriwether attributes her firm ’ s success to championing for the growth of small business owners . “ From the start , one of the core components of my organization was to advocate for the interests of small , minority , and women-owned businesses ,” she said . “ Advocating for others connected me with the right people and placed me in a position to see where the best opportunities for my business were .”
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