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 May:
Social Circle – Artificial intelligence in action: Simple wins for small business owners
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 webinar – The truck owner-operator’s roadmap: Navigating pay and compliance reporting
Join Omar Abdi, senior investigator, MnDOT Labor Compliance Unit, to learn how to stay compliant with State law, get paid correctly, and keep your business on the right track. Topics covered include: truck rental rates, reporting, prevailing wage laws, and common audit mistakes. A panel of prime contractors will share what they look for when hiring haulers and how you can stand out as a top-tier partner.
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.
One-to-one support for small businesses
MNUCP DBE personal narrative 1-1 sessions
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 Small Business Resource Center
SBRC@drbteam.com, 1-877-201-7212 or 651-461-0247
- APEX Accelerator
Current clients: email your APEX counselor directly
New clients: sign up at Request Services
Small Business Resource Center
The MnDOT Small Business Resource Center offers free expert coaching to help you pursue government contracts and manage your company with confidence. Our consultants offer private sessions to help you tackle areas such as DBE recertification, bids and proposals, business planning, bookkeeping, and marketing. One-to-one sessions can be online or in person at the MnDOT SBRC, 1461 94th Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449 (inside Rock Leaf Water Environmental). To request coaching call 651-461-0247 or email SBRC@drbteam.com.
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.
Resource guide available
A list of firms that can help your business is available as a PDF. This list is updated on an ongoing basis. To get the directory or to request a new listing for any firm, please contact us at sbrc@drbteam.com.
I-535 Blatnik Bridge Replacement SP 6981-26 Meet and Greet
Meet and Greets are networking opportunities for firms interested in bidding on a project as subcontractors. Interested firms or Tribal Employment representatives can come and learn about project details and connect with personnel from MnDOT, WisDOT, and contractor teams. The I-535 Blatnik Bridge Replacement project will reconstruct the main bridge span connecting Duluth and Superior, rebuild approach structures, and realign approach roadways with a redesigned interchange on the Wisconsin side. For scopes of work, view the Meet and Greet flyer (PDF).
Workforce in the construction industry
DBE and Workforce Collaborative
DBE committee meeting
The DBE committee is a subcommittee of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative. This committee identifies issues and makes recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and the sustainability of DBE firms.
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.
Training and hiring opportunities
Carpentry
In this free five-week program, participants gain career training in highway carpentry and receive tools, PPE, and work boots. Participants also earn OSHA 10 certification with First Aid/CPR/AED training. The carpentry union and a career planner help participants network for job placement.
Training takes place in Hermantown, July 6 - Aug. 7, 2026
Enroll by June 19, 2026
Contact: Dwayne Benson, benson@carpenterstraininginstitute.org
Commercial Driver's License
MnDOT has partnered with AIOIC to offer CDL training to individuals.
For more information about CDL training, contact Wesley.Gathings@state.mn.us, 612-751-8236.
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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