"The reality is that private sector work rearly never gets advertised in newspapers,etc but based on invitation..." - that's true. But if you're not part of a "old boys club" white or otherwise, then come up with your own ideas, join associasions, do whatever you have to. Truly, if I can make a deal that benefits me, I wouldn't worry about skin colour. If you can convince me that you can deliver what you are promising I'll deal with you. Most business people think that way. If you think that starting big is the anwer, without any track record of success, well, I won't hold my breath...