Office of Civil Rights News
MnDOT offers free training and opportunities for certified small businesses. Develop the necessary business skills and expertise to win MnDOT work.
Small business opportunities
Pathways to Success
In September, a new cohort will begin this 9-month-long mentorship program sponsored by MnDOT and hosted by IMO Consulting. Pathways to Success is a free program that supports certified small businesses as they navigate bidding on MnDOT projects.
Learn about the program and how it can benefit your business by attending a free 30-minute info session. Applications for the program will open after the first info session on Sept. 9, 2026.
Register for the Pathways to Success info session
To view more about the program, visit Small Business Training Programs - Civil Rights - MnDOT
Meet and Greet: I-494 Airport to Hwy 169 Project 2 and Hwy 13 at Nicollet Avenue Interchange
Come hear details about these two projects and connect with MnDOT and contractors. Find information about the projects on this Meet and Greet flyer (PDF).
DBE program update
MnDOT and its partner MNUCP agencies have completed the priority reevaluation process of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises certified in Minnesota required by the interim final rule published by USDOT on Oct. 3, 2025.
MnDOT and partner agencies in the Minnesota Unified Certification Program (MNUCP) have been working diligently to comply with federal program requirements and continue to support Minnesota’s vibrant small business community.
See the full DBE program update covering several areas impacted by the interim final rule:
- New DBE directory
- MnDOT’s 3-year goal
- New DBE applications
- Continued reevaluations
- Declaration of eligibility
- DBE goal setting
- Next steps
MnDOT seeks input on revised 3-year goals for disadvantaged businesses
Following the DBE Interim Final Rule issued on Oct. 3, 2025, MnDOT must update its statewide goals for disadvantaged business participation on federally funded projects. For the remainder of the FFY 2025–2027 period, MnDOT is proposing to adjust its overall FHWA DBE goal from 15.3% to 6.2% and its FTA goal from 8.7% to 2.8%.
The revised statewide goals are available for public comment Aug. 5 to Sept. 7, 2026.
DBE personal narrative workshop 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. Watch the recorded workshop and get free one-to-on support. Offered in partnership with the Minnesota Unified Certification Program.
Writing your DBE personal narrative workshop
The personal narrative workshop provides guidance and examples to help you prepare your narrative for certification under the DBE Interim Final Rule.
Writing your personal narrative workshop (online via YouTube)
- Before you begin the recorded workshop, please download the workbook that accompanies the training.
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.
Contact Apex Accelerator to set up an appointment:
- Current clients: email your APEX counselor directly
- New clients: sign up at Request Services
Workforce in the highway construction industry
DBE and Workforce Collaborative
DBE committee meeting
The DBE committee is a subcommittee of the DBE and Workforce Collaborative that 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.
Employers seeking graduates of MnDOT training programs
113 people recently graduated from MnDOT’s highway workforce training programs. Contact the following to hire one of our qualified graduates:
Carpenters
Cement Masons
Commercial Driver's License
Laborers
Operating Engineers
Multi-trades apprenticeship preparation
Individuals seeking entry-level training in highway construction
Contact the following to find out more information:
- Multi-trades apprenticeship preparation
- Commercial Driver’s License training
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
|
