As Founder and President of Construction Allies in Action (CAIA), she’s at the forefront of a movement to reshape the construction industry through empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Strong’s journey through the construction world has been marked by both trailblazing leadership and a deep, consistent focus on community. As Executive Vice President of the Builders Exchange of Michigan — where she broke new ground as the first woman to hold the role — she focused on forging new pathways for lesser-known professionals to grow and compete. Now, through CAIA, she’s channeling that experience into a mission with wide-reaching and long-lasting impact.

A Vision for Change, Rooted in Action

Strong founded CAIA to support construction entrepreneurs who face a multitude of challenges in launching and sustaining successful companies. From lack of capital and resources to limited access to mentorship and opportunity, these entrepreneurs often struggle to compete among legacy companies that have more established networks and reputations.

To counter this disparity, Strong has built a platform rooted in action, not just advocacy. “Contractors are trying to do it all,” she explains. “At the end of the day, I want to know what I can do to help them get to the next level.”

Through CAIA, that mission becomes a roadmap for real support: training, business development and strategic connection-building that empowers talented contractors to grow and thrive.

A Strong Foundation for Expanding Access

At the core of CAIA’s programming is Strong Foundations, a seven-month course specifically designed for up-and-coming contractors who know how to build but need guidance on how to run a successful business.

“In many cases, these entrepreneurs have the technical skills to complete construction jobs but lack formal training in legal, financial or operational areas that are crucial for long-term success,” says Strong. 

The Strong Foundations program bridges that gap by covering six essential pillars:

• Legal: Forming a business correctly and operating it safely and smartly in the field. 
• Financing: How to establish business accounts, secure bonding, manage loans and improve financial readiness.
• Support: Practical tools for procuring materials, managing cash flow and ensuring financial health.
• Talent: HR basics, from creating job descriptions to writing personnel handbooks.
• Safety: How to draft safety manuals, meet OSHA standards and manage job site safety proactively.
• Sustainability: Creating strategic marketing plans, learning social media best practices, developing a website, and expanding your digital presence.

To date, 33 companies have graduated from the Strong Foundations program and 23 more are currently enrolled. These numbers represent a new wave of small business owners in West Michigan who are laying the foundation for entrepreneurial success and generational wealth among communities across the region. 

Support for the Long Term

CAIA’s support doesn’t stop once the course is complete. Recognizing that business ownership is a journey, not a destination, CAIA has created two additional tracks to help companies grow strategically over time.

For many contractors, especially those juggling job sites and paperwork, back-office support is a constant challenge. CAIA’s Affiliate Hub offers critical services like accounting, marketing and administrative support that allow business owners to focus on their core building services. For more mature contractors ready to scale, Foundations Plus offers a pathway to deeper growth. This advanced support includes strategic planning, mentorship and access to critical networks through partnerships with organizations like the Urban League of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. This program was made possible through funding secured in connection with Thrive + Prosper’s Opportunity Marketplace event, which aligned like-minded residents of Grand Rapids to pool efforts in developing a thriving business ecosystem for all.

Through these collaborations, CAIA has assessed more than 40 businesses, identifying pain points around bidding, bonding and project management. “Where do we start? How do we help you?” asks Strong. With Foundations Plus, CAIA begins answering those questions one business at a time, offering customized support that empowers contractors to expand their footprint and compete for larger commercial projects.

Celebrated Leadership, Ongoing Mission

Strong’s leadership with CAIA has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she received the AIA Honorary Allied Award, and in 2024, she was named one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Nonprofit Leaders. These honors reflect both her vision and her tireless commitment to building systems that work for everyone.

Beyond the accolades, Strong remains a tireless advocate for the communities she serves. Leading with mentorship, transparency and humility first is precisely what has made CAIA such a trusted partner for aspiring business owners.

While CAIA has already made significant strides, the road ahead is just as important. The organization is actively seeking new funding, volunteers and industry partnerships to scale its work. The need is clear, Strong declares. She believes many contractors are primed for growth, and the construction industry continues to grapple with how to expand access to talent, procurement and capital.

But CAIA isn’t interested in quick fixes. Its model is built around sustainability, accountability and transformation — one business, one project and one partnership at a time.

For contractors looking for support, community members seeking to make a difference and leaders driving change in the construction industry, Elizabeth Bovard Strong and CAIA provide a blueprint for what’s possible.