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 in February:
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. Gain a clear understanding of the rules and the risks of not having a safety plan, and leave with practical tools to build a safer, stronger business. This session includes a presentation, interactive breakouts, and networking with other business owners. Presenter: Keith Juliar, safety and workers’ compensation manager, MnDOT Emergency Management.
Social circle - Finding your niche: When to specialize, stay broad, or pivot
Social Circle is a monthly roundtable for business owners and entrepreneurs. Come with ideas. Leave with inspiration. Facilitated by Shelly Binsfeld, president, Rock Leaf Water Environmental.
Spark session - Stay one step ahead: Spot, block and defend against cyber threats
Every day, scammers try new ways to fool you and steal your company’s money or information. Learn how to protect yourself from these threats. Learn about social engineering, tricky emails and phone calls, strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and safe data-handling practices on public networks. Presenter: Metro State University MN Cyber Clinic.
Spark Session - Don't be the breach: Everyday habits that protect data
Most security disasters do not happen because of a master hacker. They happen because of small, everyday mistakes. Focus on simple, practical habits to keep your and your employees’ data safe. Adopt daily routines that reinforce a security-conscious culture. Presenter: Metro State University MN Cyber Clinic.
See the event calendar for details on all SBRC events. For questions, contact Berta.Hartig@drbteam.com
MnDOT labor compliance training
AASHTOWare support
MnDOT expert Kirsten Reyes will be available for private meetings with pre-registration.
Prevailing wage and AASHTOWare/CRL Workshop
This free workshop is for contractors, payroll administrators and managers. Learn how to use the State’s payroll reporting system. Sponsored by the MnDOT Office of Construction and Innovative Contracting, Labor Compliance Unit.
More ways MnDOT helps certified small businesses:
Networking opportunities
Procurement Fair
Come see us at the 8th annual State Procurement Opportunity Fair. Hosted by the Department of Administration Office of Equity and Procurement, this yearly event helps increase participation of diverse vendors in state contracting processes by bringing together agency procurement representatives and Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged and Veteran-owned small businesses from across Minnesota. We’ll share useful tips, tools, and opportunities with businesses interested in doing business with the state.
Open House - CERT Connect
Ramsey County development partners and regional partners will host the 5th annual CERT Connect small business open house at Ramsey County Public Works in Arden Hills.
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 Assistance 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
DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting
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.
- Feb. 11, 2026
- 10 a.m. - Noon
- Registration link will be provided soon for the Feb. 11 DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting
- Contact: Marissa Galen
Results and transparency committee meeting
The Results and transparency committee is a subcommittee of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative. This subcommittee reviews projects, workforce goals, and hiring practices on highway construction projects.
Worksite cooperation committee meeting
The Worksite cooperation committee is a subcommittee of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative. This committee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity and develops recommendations to ensure highway construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all.
Training
Commercial Driver's License
MnDOT has partnered with AIOIC to offer CDL training to individuals.
More information
For more information about MnDOT Office of Civil Rights programs, please visit https://www.dot.state.mn.us/civilrights/index.html
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