The Hanford nuclear site north of Richland is complex in more ways than one – and it can be challenging for small businesses looking for work there to get a foot in the door.

But a U.S. Department of Energy program offers mentoring to small businesses that meet certain qualifications, and it appears to be yielding results.

One local construction company, for example, recently completed a five-year mentorship under prime Hanford contractor Washington River Protection Solutions, or WRPS, through the Mentor-Protégé Program. WRPS helped Elite Construction & Development in Pasco implement a new accounting system and develop a quality assurance program and government-furnished property procedures, according to information from WRPS. Elite also went with WRPS to trade shows and events where it could showcase its services.

During the five-year mentor-protégé period, which started in 2019 and wrapped up in the 2023 fiscal year, Elite completed electrical upgrades to Hanford’s Effluent Treatment Facility and built a 7.8 million-gallon retention basin.

“WRPS also worked with Elite to achieve a Tri-Party Agreement milestone by constructing at the U Tank Farm an evapotranspiration basin with an impermeable line designed to capture stormwater runoff,” said Staci Downing, WRPS Small Business Program manager, in a statement.

Three other companies also have worked with WRPS through the program, including Total Site Services and Columbia Energy and Environmental Services, both of Richland, and TerraGraphics of Pasco. Mentors provide support to the small businesses in a number of areas, including management and technical assistance; help with internal business management systems, accounting and marketing; financial assistance; contracting assistance; international trade education and strategic planning; business development; and general and administrative assistance.

For WRPS, investing in small businesses is important. It awarded more than $4.6 million to small businesses in the 2023 fiscal year apart from the mentor-protégé program.

“WRPS is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. A strong business community strengthens our overall community,” Downing said in the statement.