Office of Civil Rights News
MnDOT offers free classes and opportunities for certified small businesses. Develop the necessary business skills and expertise to win MnDOT work.
DBE Construction Academy classes
DBE Construction Academy offers a series of classes now through June, 2025. These classes will help you assess your business, set goals, understand MnDOT contracting processes, and identify best practices. The following classes are open in February:
Entrepreneurship: Developing a sound business plan
Learn how to identify areas of opportunity, outline strategic goals and create an effective business plan.
Finding state work: Reading and understanding plans and specifications
Learn how to find state work as a prime contractor or subcontractor. Identify areas of need and forecast work on state projects. Learn how to accurately read and understand plans and specifications for projects.
Bidding and estimating on state projects
Gain a better understanding of state projects and how to identify areas of need. Understand how to respond to a state request for proposal (RFP). Learn how to develop responsive and responsible bids. Recognize the essential components of a bid. Learn how to estimate more accurately while avoiding potential pitfalls.
More ways MnDOT helps certified small businesses:
One-to-one business assistance
Receive free one-to-one support to meet the challenges of your certified small business. Learn from experts such as engineers, architects, accountants, estimators and marketers. To schedule one-to-one business assistance, contact Stacia Rice at IMO Consulting Group.
Micro Grants
Apply for up to $3,500 of financial assistance to increase your business capacity and compete more effectively on MnDOT contracts. Funding is available through April 30, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Funds are provided as reimbursement for preapproved expenses. For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Micro Grant program web page.
State procurement opportunity fair
MnDOT will be one of more than 20 state agencies you can meet with in this networking event to discuss how your business may fit into upcoming procurement and contracting needs.
DBE and Workforce Collaborative
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group to MnDOT. The group’s mission is to increase the diversity of firms and people working on MnDOT highway projects. The Collaborative is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the mission.
More information
For more information please visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights/index.html
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