In this week’s Mass Trades Weekly:
18 Small public jobs you can bid this week that don’t require DCAMM
Large project tracker + Contractor Outreach Guide
One Question: Bookkeeper Jenny Costello
Small Business Spotlight: Share your story with MTW (NEW)
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
I’m cheering for you. Now go out and crush it.
~Christie
A Few Notes on Small Public Projects:
Consult the bid documents: Always check the official project documents for full details including scope, requirements, and deadlines.
Bonding: Public projects in Massachusetts frequently require bonding. If you don’t already have it in place, consider reaching out to a surety broker to line it up prior to bidding on a project.
Prevailing wage: Assume prevailing wage for public work at all price points.
• Email template (printable). Use this when the listing directs you to email a town contact for access to plans and specs.
• This week’s Small Public Job Listings (spreadsheet)
Why should small contractors care about large public projects? Large projects
show who the active primes worth knowing are. You’re not here for the
contract, you’re here for the contacts.
• Read this first - Contractor Outreach Guide (printable)
• Posted April 1, 2026 - Large Public Projects (spreadsheet)
One Question: Bookkeeper Jenny Costello
MTW: If a contractor doesn’t know which jobs are actually making money, what’s the first thing you would encourage them to change?
Jenny: I strongly suggest contractors utilize the Project feature of their accounting software. The Project feature tracks all income and expenses by job, which allows you to clearly see which jobs are profitable and which are not. Using the Project feature allows you to see exactly how much profit you make on each job, not just overall. Ultimately, the Project feature turns your numbers into insight- it provides a clear profit margin per job so that you can effectively price jobs to produce more revenue, control costs, and focus on the work that makes you the most money.
Jenny Costello
[email protected]
978-807-8905
Small Business Spotlight: Did MTW help create a connection for your business?
If MTW has led to a connection, conversation, quote, or job, share it here. You can also let us know how you’re using MTW each week. Selected companies may be featured in an upcoming spotlight. Click here to submit your information (short form). Thanks!
In Your Corner: Professional Services for Contractors
I’m building a small group of local professionals who help contractors navigate public work at every stage. I’ve spoken directly with the people listed here and feel comfortable pointing you toward them.
Bookkeeping
Keep your books organized and your finances clear.
Jenny Costello
Bookkeeping & QuickBooks Consultant
Small Business Bookkeeping Solutions
Phone: 978-807-8905
Email: [email protected]
Job Costing & Cash Flow
Know if your jobs are actually making money.
Patrick Kimera
KPI Solutions Inc.
Phone: 978-935-3669
Email: [email protected]
Website: kpiacc.com
Surety & Contractor Insurance
Get approved for bonds so you can bid public work.
Pete Covill
HCC Insurance Agency (New Bedford)
Phone: 508-997-3321
Email: [email protected]
Website: hccinsuranceagency.com
Categories are alphabetical; professionals are listed alphabetically within categories.
If you connect with anyone listed here, feel free to share how it goes. I’m always looking to make sure I continue to point people in the right direction.