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
The MnDOT Small Business Resource Center empowers small businesses with the tools, connections and confidence needed for success on MnDOT projects.
One-to-one coaching
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 bids and proposals, business planning, bookkeeping, marketing, certifications and DBE recertification. One-to-one sessions can be online or in-person.
- Online or in person at MnDOT SBRC, 1461 94th Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449 (inside Rock Leaf Water Environmental)
- To request coaching call 651-461-0247or email SBRC@drbteam.com
Resource guide available
A directory, including a list of firms that can help your business, is available as a PDF. To get the directory or to request a new listing for any firm, please contact us at SBRC@drbteam.com.
MNUCP DBE certification
The Minnesota Unified Certification Program (MNUCP) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification portal is live in B2Gnow. You may be familiar with this web-based software system. B2Gnow is currently used by other regional government agencies such as the City of St. Paul, City of Minneapolis, and Hennepin County.
The MNUCP DBE certification portal is a certification management system. DBEs that are currently recertified with the MNUCP can manage their certification online. They can also monitor changes to their certification profile. Interstate recertified DBEs can also submit a new application for certification in Minnesota. In the future, prospective Minnesota based firms will be able to complete an online application for certification.
B2Gnow system training
System training is available via the MNUCP DBE certification portal. Click on “Training” to view full descriptions of the following classes:
- B2Gnow software: Introduction to the system for vendors
- Aug. 5, 2025
- 10 – 11 a.m.
- Online certification application for vendors: A training on the B2Gnow platform*
- Aug. 28, 2026
- 10 – 11 a.m.
- *Although prospective Minnesota-based firms can’t apply yet for new DBE certification, this class will help you get ready for when submissions open.
DBE personal narrative workshops and 1-1 sessions
In response to the DBE Interim Final Rule, or IFR, small business owners must include personal narratives when they apply for DBE certification. MnDOT is hosting workshops and one-to-one support at no cost in partnership with the Minnesota Unified Certification Program.
Writing your DBE personal narrative workshops
The personal narrative workshop provides guidance and examples to help you prepare your narrative for certification under the DBE Interim Final Rule.
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
- APEX Accelerator
- Current clients: email your APEX counselor directly
- New clients: sign up at Request Services
Workforce in the construction industry
DBE and Workforce Collaborative
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.
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
MnDOT is committed to developing a workforce that meets the needs and standards of the State. We achieve this, in part, by making pathways of opportunity for new workers to enter highway construction. Our workforce training programs offer free pre-apprenticeship programs to disadvantaged individuals and those underrepresented in the trades.
Graduates from these programs are eligible for higher employer reimbursement incentives from MnDOT’s on-the-job training program for approved trainees on eligible projects.
Please visit the “for employers” section of our workforce training program page to find contacts by trade for your workforce needs and hire skilled, motivated graduates.
Carpenters
MnDOT partners with the Carpenters Training Institute to train highway carpenters. Contact:
Cement Masonry
MnDOT partners with OPCMIA Local 633 to offer cement masonry and laborer training. Contact:
Commercial Driver's License
MnDOT partners with AIOIC and the Karen Organization of Minnesota 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
We’re busy preparing more classes and programs for small businesses and individuals who wish to join the highway construction workforce. Be among the first to know: sign up for Civil Rights News and check the Civil Rights events calendar.
For more information about the MnDOT Office of Civil Rights, please visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights/index.html
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