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 September:
Social circle: The power of one - succeeding without a staff
Join us for our first social circle event. Shelly Binsfeld, president of Rock Leaf Water Environmental, knows what it is like to do everything yourself. She has experience working on the business while working in the business. This session will spark conversation about the trade-offs, the wins and creative approaches. Come ready to share your stories and connect with other small business owners who understand what it's like to work alone. Free, registration required.
Spark session: Is your online presence working for you?
(digital marketing essentials)
Contractors and potential clients review your website and social media profiles before they contact you. They form opinions about your business. Do your online profiles represent your work, values, and the image you want to project? Knowing where to focus marketing efforts can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This interactive session will teach you the essentials of digital marketing. Learn how to assess your online presence with confidence and make effective updates.
Looking ahead in the Small Business Resource Center:
The first October SBRC event is Oct. 8: Develop your business plan.
More ways MnDOT helps certified small businesses:
Mentor-Protege program
The Mentor-Protégé program furthers the development of certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms by providing training and assistance from other firms. With mentorship, the small businesses may:
- Move into nontraditional areas of work
- Compete in the marketplace outside the DBE program
- Develop their capacity to compete on projects
Become a mentor - reap benefits:
- Establish a business-to-business relationship. Firms share their expertise and resources to further their business objectives. Doing so creates a stronger economy with a more competitive business environment.
- Learn, evolve, and compete on state and city projects and in new markets. Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Airport Commission, Met Council, and the City of Minneapolis are participating agencies.
- Increase the statewide capacity and availability of DBEs and help develop relationships that foster DBE participation on projects.
- Receive credit to partner with DBE firms, and DBEs receive assistance in developing their business.
Learn more about MnDOT's Mentor-Protege program
One-to-one Small Business Assistance program
Good news: MnDOT continues its One-to-one Small Business Assistance program. 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.
Questions: 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 has two locations:
- North location: 1461 94th Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449 (inside Rock Leaf Water Environmental)
- Mondays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 12 - 3 p.m.
- South location: 2930 Waters Road #230, Eagan, MN 55121 (inside PE Services)
- 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. Learn about the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.
DBE committee meeting
Results and transparency committee meeting
Coming soon!
Micro Grants available starting Oct. 1
The Micro Grant program helps Minnesota-based certified small businesses increase business capacity by providing financial assistance for eligible business expenses. Watch your email for details about how to apply, starting Oct. 1.
Pathways for Success program
Pathways to Success is a tailored business support program for certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises seeking to work with MnDOT. Look for information coming this fall about how to join the next cohort!
More information
For more information please visit https://www.dot.state.mn.us/civilrights/index.html
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