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.
MnDOT Small Business Resource Center - two locations
- North location: 1461 94th Ln NE, Blaine, MN 55449
- South location: 2930 Waters Road #230, Eagan, MN 55121
The MnDOT Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) empowers small businesses and DBEs with the tools, connections and confidence needed for success on MnDOT projects.
The SBRC is designed to help Minnesota’s small businesses—especially those looking to work with MnDOT—build skills, get certified, and grow. Whether you’re just starting out, actively bidding, or exploring what’s next, the SBRC is here to meet you where you are and help you take the next step.
What you'll find at the SBRC:
- Personalized business support
- Practical workshops and training
- Events that connect you
- Welcoming physical locations
- In-person and virtual options
Learn more about SBRC offerings and check out our event calendar.
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
Develop the skills and abilities you need as a business owner in construction with free one-to-one support. Learn from experts such as engineers, architects, accountants, estimators and marketers. Our experts are available to assist you in a variety of areas, including:
- Job costing / bidding and estimating MnDOT scopes of work
- Use of AASHTOWARE and Bid Express
- Change orders / state documentation
- Payroll submission
- Business finances / accounting software
- Implementing a safety program
Eligibility
All Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Targeted Group (TG), Veteran-owned (VO), and Economically Disadvantaged (ED) businesses are eligible to participate.
Assistance available February through August 2025
To schedule a one-to-one session: email Stacia Rice, srice@IMOConsultingGroup.com. Sessions may be virtual or in-person depending on your preference.
Contact: Amy Perez Ortiz, Amy.Perez.Ortiz@state.mn.us, 651-421-4619
Mentor Protégé
Prime contractors and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms establish business relationships through mentoring.
Pathways to Success is a tailored business support program for certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises seeking to work with MnDOT.
- Gain skills to build your business and help increase your success rate for bidding or proposing on 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
How to participate
- Contact Jerris Cross 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