Office of Civil Rights News
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 April:
Spark session - Insurance made simple: What small businesses need to know
Join us to learn about the various types of insurance: general liability, workers’ compensation, professional liability, and auto insurance. Hear true stories to learn why insurance is essential for your business. Understand why you provide “certificate of insurance.” Learn why it is important to meet state requirements for coverage. Find out how to ensure you do. Sarah Jewell, Owner and Attorney at Law from River Valley Law Firm, will present this webinar.
Business elevation workshop - Mock bid day: A hands-on estimating workshop
Learn by doing in this interactive bid workshop. Step into the role of a prime contractor. This exercise uses a previous MnDOT construction project. Estimate a contract in the morning. Work in small groups to refine your estimate. Use project plans, special provisions, and subcontractor and supplier quotes. The bid opening is midday. Learn from evaluation and discussion of major line items. Compare class bids to the actual bids received for the project. Experienced estimators will help you improve your estimating skills. Seats are limited! Reserve your spot.
Required pre-work: Watch two one-hour pre-recorded videos online. Videos cover the project's construction plans and special provisions. Videos provided after registration.
Social Circle networking - Money talks: Peer insights on business funding
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.
See the event calendar for details on all SBRC events. For questions, contact Berta.Hartig@drbteam.com
MnDOT offers free classes and opportunities for certified small businesses. Develop the necessary business skills and expertise to win MnDOT work.
MNUCP DBE personal narrative workshops and 1-1 sessions
The Minnesota Unified Certification Committee is offering DBE personal narrative workshops, along with one-to-one support, to help Minnesota-based business owners develop their personal narrative required under the DBE Interim Final Rule.
Personal narrative workshop
The personal narrative workshop provides guidance, examples, and the opportunity to ask questions to prepare your narrative for certification under the DBE Interim Final Rule. Choose one of the upcoming online workshops:
Personal narrative 1-1 session
Free one-to-one support for Minnesota small business owners to learn about the new DBE program requirements, navigate personal narrative criteria, and answer your questions.
Choose a service provider and set up an appointment:
MnDOT labor compliance training
AASHTOWare assistance
MnDOT’s AASHTOWare expert Kirsten Reyes is available to meet one-to-one in person or online. Schedule an in-person meeting in a private office at the MnDOT Small Business Resource Center during the time listed below. If there are no meetings scheduled at least 48 hours prior, that in-person session will be cancelled.
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
Micro Grants deadline coming soon
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.
Workforce in the construction industry
DBE and Workforce Collaborative
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.
- April 8, 2026
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
- Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
- Contact: Isela Xitlali Gómez, Isela.Gomez@state.mn.us
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 and hiring opportunities
Carpentry
Participants gain training and earn safety certifications in this five-week program
Cement Masonry-Labor
In this six-week program, participants gain training and job placement opportunities in highway construction. Offered in partnership with DEED.
Commercial Driver's License
MnDOT has partnered with AIOIC to offer CDL training to individuals.
Multi-trades apprenticeship preparation
In this 12-week program, veterans and disadvantaged individuals choose and enter a registered apprenticeship program. Offered in partnership with Building Strong Communities.
More information
For more information about MnDOT Office of Civil Rights programs, please visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights/index.html
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