Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is set to conduct a series of free virtual workshops in January, aimed at Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. This initiative is part of the ongoing Building Blocks of Success series, which seeks to assist these businesses in enhancing their skills, expanding their operations, and competing for state projects. Both new and current DBEs, as well as those interested in certification, are encouraged to participate.

The workshops will cover various topics on different dates:

- January 9: Capital and Lending Series - Accessing Capital

- January 11: Capital and Lending Series - Advanced Banking (Underwriting Process)

- January 16: Capital and Lending Series - Improving your Personal and Business Credit Score

- January 18: Capital and Lending Series - What Banks Look For/How to Connect with Lenders

- January 23: Bonding and Insurance - Advanced Insurance and Bonding (Underwriting)

- January 25: Bonding and Insurance - Insurance, Bonding and Risk Management for Construction Firms

- January 30: Marketing and Networking Series - Business and Strategic Plans Q&A

These sessions will run from 10 a.m. to noon on their respective dates. The Building Blocks of Success program will continue until April. Interested participants can find more information about the workshops on Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Registration must be completed in advance.

Inquiries regarding the workshops can be directed to IDOT's Bureau of Small Business Enterprises at (217) 785-4611.

Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois initiative supports this effort by delivering the largest capital program in the state's history while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Managed by IDOT, the DBE program aims to provide minorities, women, and eligible small businesses with opportunities in federally funded highway, transit, and airport contracts. Further details on becoming a certified DBE or accessing IDOT resources are available at www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.