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.
MnDOT Small Business Resource Center events
The MnDOT Small Business Resource Center empowers small businesses and DBEs with the tools, connections and confidence needed for success on MnDOT projects. The following SBRC events are open in August:
Spark session: Strategic partnering -
building relationships that drive results
In this spark session, explore how small businesses can identify the right partners. Understand the importance of clear agreements and aligned goals. PE Services will share how they partnered with public agencies, primes and other subs to expand their reach and reputation. Free, registration required.
Business elevation workshop:
Labor compliance and AASHTOWare reporting
In this hands-on workshop, learn how to navigate labor compliance and AASHTOWare reporting. Learn how to avoid payment delays, contract penalties, and disqualification from future opportunities. Receive hands-on instruction in how to complete electronic reports, understanding wage and contractor responsibilities, and maximizing compliance with labor laws. Free, registration required.
Looking ahead in the Small Business Resource Center:
The next SBRC Spark Sessions are Sept. 10 on digital marketing essentials and Oct. 9 on developing your business plan.
Blatnik Bridge: Bonding Education Program for certified small businesses
The USDOT Small Business Technical Resource Center is partnering with MnDOT and WisDOT to provide a Bonding Education Program for certified small businesses. Position your company for growth and larger opportunities. Includes business and federal transportation project-specific workshops, industry experts, and one-to-one time with local surety bond producers. All sessions are virtual, link provided when you register.
More ways MnDOT helps certified small businesses:
One-to-one small business assistance
There’s still time to schedule your one-to-one session! MnDOT’s One-to-one Small Business Assistance Program runs through August. Sessions may be virtual or in-person depending on your preference. Our experts are available to assist you in a variety of areas. Contact Stacia Rice to schedule a one-to-one meeting by emailing: srice@imoconsultinggroup.com.
Contact: Amy Perez Ortiz, Amy.Perez.Ortiz@state.mn.us, 651-421-4619
Small Business Resource Center personalized support
The MnDOT SBRC helps Minnesota's small businesses looking to work with MnDOT. Whether you are just starting out, actively bidding, or exploring what's next, the SBRC is here to meet you where you are and help you take the next step. Get personalized business support at our two locations in Blaine and Eagan. Learn more about SBRC offerings and contact the SBRC at SBRC@drbteam.com, 1-877-201-7212 or 651-461-0247.
MnDOT Small Business Resource Center - two locations
- North location: 1461 94th Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449
- Mondays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 12 - 3 p.m.
- South location: 2930 Waters Road #230, Eagan, MN 55121
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Workforce Collaborative
The DBE 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. Subcommittees focus on strategies to support DBEs and BIPOC and women workers.
Results and transparency committee meeting
The Results and transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative. On July 30, we will go over the FHWA 1392 requirements for both MnDOT projects (submitting payroll in AASHTOWare) and Local/State Aid projects (submitting workforce data in Salesforce). Representatives from MnDOT Labor Compliance, which handles AASHTOWare-related questions/issues, will be present. In addition to doing a detailed walkthrough of how to submit the four categories of non-prevailing wage workers previously reported via the 1391 form in AASHTOWare, there will be time for Q&A.
Worksite cooperation committee meeting
This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.
- Aug. 14, 2025
- 9 – 10:30 a.m.
- Meet online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
- Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org
More information
For more information please visit https://www.dot.state.mn.us/civilrights/index.html
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