Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is set to host a series of free virtual workshops in February. These sessions are part of the ongoing Building Blocks of Success initiative aimed at Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. The workshops are designed to help these businesses enhance their skills, expand their operations, and engage in state project bidding. Both new and current DBEs, as well as those interested in certification, are encouraged to participate.

The schedule for the February workshops includes:

- Feb. 1: Website Best Practices

- Feb. 6: Marketing & Networking Q&A

- Feb. 8: Building a Capability Statement

- Feb. 13: How to Connect & Stand Out

- Feb. 15: Benefits of Becoming IDOT DBE Certified

- Feb. 27: Accounting Practices / Financial Reporting

- Feb. 29: Budgeting & Cashflow Management

These workshops will continue through April, with details available on Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Registration in advance is necessary.

For any inquiries, IDOT's Bureau of Small Business Enterprises can be contacted at (217) 785-4611.

"Through Gov. JB Pritzker's historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois," an IDOT spokesperson stated, "IDOT is helping to deliver the largest capital program in state history while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion."

The DBE program administered by IDOT offers minorities, women, and eligible small businesses opportunities in federally and state-funded highway, transit, and airport contracts. Further information about becoming a certified DBE can be found at www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.