Small business training programs
Classes and opportunities offered
MnDOT offers free classes and opportunities to help certified small businesses. Develop the necessary business skills and expertise to win MnDOT work. Find single classes, series of classes, and hands-on training. Apply for one-to-one mentoring and network with contractors.
Small business development classes and networking
Classes designed for the new and experienced small business owner and their staff, including professional/technical and contractor businesses. Learn to leverage your skills, increase your business capacity, position yourself to compete for MnDOT contracts and projects, and how to manage a successful project.
If you prefer to take a set training series instead of single classes, consider the DBE Business Academy courses.
Eligibility
- Certified DBE/TGB/Vet-owned
Note: DBE Academy classes will not be offered live this year; however, you can access DBE Business Academy course content virtually.
DBE Construction Academy
Gain knowledge, training and skills to bid on MnDOT projects, win bids, and perform successfully. DBE Construction Academy classes will help you assess your business, set goals, understand MnDOT contracting processes, and identify best practices.
- Nine comprehensive classes, offered virtually via Microsoft Teams
- Free - no cost to you
- Gain confidence and skills to bid and perform on MnDOT projects
- Graduation and networking event with MnDOT officials, prime contractors, and representatives from other relevant agencies
The DBE Construction Academy runs from January through May 2025.
Eligibility
- You must attend an info session to participate.
Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Targeted Group (TG), Veteran owned (VO), and Economically Disadvantaged (ED) firms are encouraged to attend.
Small business hands-on training
MnDOT Office of Civil Rights offers hands-on training to certified small businesses interested in pursuing opportunities on MnDOT contracts. Trainings will cover technical subject matter and allow firms to grow their expertise in highway heavy scopes of work.
Eligibility
- Certified DBEs
MnDOT offers certified small businesses the opportunity to focus on:
- Bidding and estimating for specific MnDOT scopes of work
- Reading plans and matching scopes of work to DBE capacity
- One-to-one technical assistance
Expand your expertise, broaden your business knowledge, and strengthen your financial literacy. Develop the skills and abilities of a business owner in construction.
Mentor Protégé
Prime contractors and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms establish business relationships through mentoring.
Pathways to Success is a five- month program of business support for certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.
- Gain skills to build your business and help increase your success rate for bidding on or proposing MnDOT work
- Get individualized help with business planning and marketing strategy
- Access networking, coaching and mentorship opportunities
- There is no cost to take part in the program
Eligibility
- Must be a certified DBE seeking to work with MnDOT
How to participate
- Space is limited - Apply by Nov. 14, 2024
- Contact Jonathan Rogers for future opportunities
MnDOT provides meet-and-greets and networking events to support certified small business in establishing and strengthening industry relationships.
- Learn about specific contracts
- Connect with primes and pitch your business
- Connect with other contractors
Visit MnDOT Advancing Equity for opportunities to
- Increase your small business capacity in ADA construction and inspection
- Identify projects in maintenance, professional-technical, and small construction
- Contract for maintenance or small construction projects under $250,000
Visit MnDOT Labor Compliance for training in
- Prevailing wage
- AASHTOWare and CRL
- Certified payroll
- Month-end trucking reports