New help for Oregon’s small businesses from AGC, OAME and ODOT

Oregon Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 02/11/2013 04:45 PM PST

New help for Oregon’s small businesses 

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs and the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of the Associated General Contractors have joined forces to create the Oregon Small Business Initiative. The three organizations announced the initiative at the OAME offices in Portland Friday morning, Feb. 8, 2013.

 

Today’s infrastructure projects are more difficult and technical than ever before. The initiative will improve the capability and capacity of all contractors working on ODOT projects, including primes, subcontractors, and minority, women, and emerging small businesses (MWESB).

 

“This partnership creates the opportunity for minority, women and emerging small businesses to develop an aggressive support system for business development and growth,” said OAME Chairman of the Board Sam Brooks.

 

The initiative will:

  • Train MWESBs and subcontractors on general business subjects, with additional ODOT-specific information that could include training with specific prime contractors;
  • Train prime contractors on diversity, mentoring, and small business; and
  • Facilitate networking between MWESBs and prime contractors.

“My intent has always been to move beyond simply providing contracting opportunities, to helping small businesses develop sustainable careers,” said Oregon Department of Transportation Director Matthew Garrett.

 

“AGC is proud to join ODOT and OAME in this small business initiative,” said Mike Salsgiver, Executive Director, Oregon-Columbia Chapter, Associated General Contractors. “A well-trained, competitive community of contractors is essential to our industry’s future.”

 

For more information:

Feb. 8, 2013; HQ 13-013