OECR's Equity Line Newsletter | December 2024

OECR Equity Line Header

December 2024  |  35th Edition


Equity Line brings you the newest content relevant to your business. Whether you work in transportation-related fields, construction, or just drive Oregon’s roads and have an interest in what ODOT is doing for the Oregon economy, Equity Line is a newsletter you will want to read.

Table of Contents

The Latest

ESB Eligibility

ODOT’s ESB Program expands eligibility to include more Oregon businesses

The Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) has announced an increase of the financial thresholds for small businesses to qualify for our Emerging Small Business Program. This increase is based on increases in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index and is designed to reflect current economic conditions impacting small businesses. A larger number of Oregon-based businesses are now eligible to apply for ESB certification and participate in the program.

Questions about ESB-certification? Contact the COBID team at 503-986-0075 or visit the website.

Read the official announcement

ESB Table

Benefits of Small Business Certification

Curious about the benefits of Small Business Certifications?

The Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity certifies minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned and emerging small businesses interested in contracting with state, county and city government agencies. These certifications foster an environment where small businesses can compete fairly, regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability or size. When historically underserved businesses participate in public contracting, they help enhance and strengthen our economy.

Certification in Oregon, including renewals, is free of charge. Certification benefits include:

  • Bid opportunities on goal-oriented federal, state, county and city projects
  • Opportunities to work with large firm programs for certified firms
  • Awards on projects that do not have a goal
  • Opportunities for emerging small businesses
  • Connecting to prime contractors
  • Networking opportunities and events
  • Business exposure
  • Education opportunities
  • Mentorship programs

For more information on small business certification, eligibility, application process, renewals and technical assistance, check out the certification FAQs.


Oregon Trucking Online

Small Business Reminder from the CCD:
Annual Motor Carrier Renewal Period ends December 31!

Renewing your credentials is easy with Trucking Online.

Learn more

Connecting with ODOT

Small Business Navigators

Find ODOT’s Small Business Programs Navigators at these meetings:

LatinoBuilt

Latino Business Alliance

NAMC – National Association of Minority Contractors

OAME – Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs

Portland Business Development Group

ODOT Partners: Latino Business Alliance

ODOT recognizes our partnership with Latino Business Alliance in supporting Latino-owned businesses in Oregon.

Latino Business Alliance Logo

“According to U.S. Census data, Latino-owned businesses are the fasted growing sector of the U.S. economy, creating jobs and economic growth across the country.” – LBA

 The Latino Business Alliance (LBA) is passionate about helping Latino business owners succeed and thereby improving the quality of life for the Latino community.

La misión de la Alianza Empresarial Latina es empoderar a las pequeñas empresas para que crezcan económicamente y, al mismo tiempo, promover la participación y la visibilidad dentro de la economía estadounidense en general.

Learn more about the Latino Business Alliance and how it is empowering Latino business owners through networking, opportunities and resources.

Mas informacion

Save the Date: 2025 Upcoming Events

APEX-GCAP Meet the Buyers
Business Expo West

Business Expo West by BESThq

Thurs., April 10, 2025

Beaverton, OR

Learn more




OAME logo

OAME 37th Annual Trade Show

Thu., May 8, 2025     
10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oregon Convention Center

Learn more

BDI Leadership Recharge

BDI Leadership Recharge Conference

Wed. - Fri., April 23 - 25, 2025

Chinook Winds Casino
Lincoln City, OR

Learn more



ACEC

ACEC-ODOT Conference

Tue., May 13, 2025   
8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Salem Convention Center

Learn more about the ACEC-ODOT partnership, ACEC, and the 2024 event presentations.

Get event updates

Looking for Bid Opportunities?

OregonBuys website shown on laptop

OregonBuys is the statewide web-based eProcurement system that has automated Oregon’s procurement process, creating efficiencies and transforming the way the state does business. OregonBuys features procure-to-pay automated processes from request through payment.

More information on OregonBuys

Register for OregonBuys


Looking for other ODOT contracting opportunities? These resources are for you.

Find information on current and potential highway and bridge construction projects that we plan to advertise in the next 12 months.

Schedule of upcoming projects

Current advertised projects

Beam Placement Construction

COBID Certification

COBID Certifications Video

Becoming COBID certified can give your business an advantage. Learn more about getting COBID certified on the website or click the video.

Not sure if your business is COBID certified or looking for a vendor, supplier, or partner? Search the Certified Vendor Directory.

Doing Business with ODOT

Resources at your fingertips

Resources at your fingertips

How to get started: contracting with ODOT

Bid and award information

Oregon Buys and Procurement Office

Small business resources

Training

Looking for help in your region? Contact your field coordinator or OECR staff.

Not sure of your region? Check here.