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.
Small Business Resource Center events
The MnDOT Small Business Resource Center empowers small businesses with the tools, connections and confidence needed for success on MnDOT projects. The following SBRC events are open through December:
Spark session - Benefits basics and what’s ahead: Health insurance and Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave
Join human resource expert Nicole Tillman for a clear, jargon-free webinar on benefits. Learn what small businesses should know before offering health insurance. Get easy steps to prepare for Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which begins in 2026.
Social Circle - Mastering the clock: Winning the battle of time and priorities
Social Circle is a monthly roundtable for local business owners and entrepreneurs. Join us in a welcoming space to connect and share experiences. This month's topic is time and priorities. Walk away with useful insights you can apply to your business. Come with ideas. Leave with inspiration.
- Dec. 8, 2025
- Noon – 1 p.m.
- In person: MnDOT Small Business Resource Center - north metro, 1461 94th Ln NE, Blaine (inside Rock Leaf Water Environmental)
- Register for the Dec. 8 Social Circle
Business elevation workshop - From compliance to confidence: Mastering safety and health plans
This workshop is for small construction businesses. Learn how to create effective safety and health plans. This session includes a presentation, interactive breakouts and networking with other business owners. Presenter: Keith Juliar, MnDOT Emergency Management, Safety and Workers’ Compensation Manager.
AASHTOWare assistance - open hours
Walk in for an in-person meeting with MnDOT's AASHTOWare expert Kirsten Reyes in a private office or schedule a virtual meeting.
- Dec. 15, 2025
- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- MnDOT Small Business Resource Center - north metro, 1461 94th Ln NE, Blaine (inside Rock Leaf Water Environmental)
- Contact: Kirsten.Reyes@state.mn.us or 612-282-2100
Looking ahead in the Small Business Resource Center
January is filled with events related to money and taxes! The first one is held on Jan. 7: How to find state and local construction work. See the event calendar for details on this and all SBRC events. Questions? contact Berta.Hartig@drbteam.com
More ways MnDOT helps certified small businesses:
Micro Grants available
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, 2026, 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.
One-to-one Small Business Assistance program
One-to-one Small Business Assistances sessions may be virtual or in-person depending on your preference. Our experts are available to assist you in a variety of areas.
Workforce in the construction industry
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.
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.
Training
MnDOT has partnered with Building Strong Communities to offer training to individuals interested in preparing for an apprenticeship and gaining entry-level work in the highway construction trades. Applications are currently being accepted on the Building Strong Communities website. Register for an information session to learn more about the program.
For questions, contact: Amy Perez Ortiz, Amy.Perez.Ortiz@state.us.mn
More information
For more information please visit https://www.dot.state.mn.us/civilrights/index.html
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