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Training programs | Small business training programs

DBE Business Academy

The DBE Business Academy brings you tools and subject matter experts to help your business succeed and win MnDOT work. All classes are taught from a business owner’s perspective and are offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

DBE Business Academy resumes in November 2023 and runs through April 2024.

Registration is open - Classes begin Nov. 30 

100. Reading plans and specs. This beginner course for construction provides an overview of reading plan sets and specifications.

101. Basics of bidding. Learn how to apply strategic thinking and practical math to bidding and estimating. Recognize "red-flags." Understand the effect the market has on pricing and take a systematic approach to your bids.

201. Bid preparation. Prepare for bidding MnDOT work. In this intermediate-level course, we cover all bid documents, bidding strategies and the effects of economic factors. We explain the differences between bidding on horizontal and vertical construction.

301. Responding to an RFP. In this advanced-level class, learn how to successfully respond to requests for proposals. Understand the necessity of reading all the RFP materials and making a clear response to the criteria. Learn to organize your response around a clearly identified theme to create a stand-out brand. Discuss brevity, focus and how to frame your credentials as benefits to the client.

102. Positioning your company. Gain an understanding of MnDOT organization and project delivery. Recognize the effect market conditions have on pricing. Learn to take a systematic approach to estimating. Hear from DBE guest speakers. This is a beginning-level class.

202. Preparing the tools. Learn useful tools and tips for winning MnDOT work. In this intermediate-level course, MnDOT experts discuss alternative MnDOT contracting methods, small business contracting opportunities, prevailing wage, bid opportunities and how to do business with MnDOT.

302. A successful submittal. In this advanced-level course, gain an understanding of the components of a successful bid and review the submittal process. Prime contractors will make presentations about their experiences, including what they look for from their sub-contractors.

103. Running a business. This beginner-level course provides an overview of key components of running a business. Discuss operational strategies and barriers facing a DBE. Learn to "think like an owner."

203. Implementing operation strategies. Understand management units and how to identify short-term and long-term goals. Learn how to create a SWOT analysis and its benefits. Discuss MnDOT prequals, handling economic downtime and more. This is an intermediate-level course.

303. Sustainability. In this advanced-level course, prepare an operational action plan. Learn to set and carry out strategies to achieve action plan goals. Discuss how to navigate the ups and downs of owning a business. Discuss how to transition out of the DBE program.

104. Accounting fundamentals, part I. Gain a basic understanding of accounting terms and practices including review of financial statements, financial repair, and break-even analysis. This is a beginner-level course.

204. Accounting fundamentals, part II. Enhance your accounting skills with emphasis on financial management and best practices.

304. Maximizing profit. Learn how to use accounting practices for your business needs. Review general ledger theory, income statements, job costing, payroll, and tax preparation.

205. Accounting with QuickBooks. In this intermediate-level course, learn to use QuickBooks for sales, accounts receivable and accounts payable.

106. Break-even analysis. Examine the theory of break-even analysis for an investment in a business, a capital investment, and an expansion of business operations. In this course we cover the life cycle of the investment, cash flows, expenses and more. This is a beginner-level course.

206. Cash flow and workflow forecast. Examine cash flow forecasting and develop required tools to understand workflows and critical paths. This course will cover various business situations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the need to assess both human and asset capital capabilities.

107. Prevention. Become familiar with legal components and ramifications in the construction industry. Learn different parts of a contract, subcontractor clauses, bid qualifiers and more.

207. Contract protection. Understand the laws that affect the construction business. Discuss reducing business liabilities. Gain an understanding of business law, change orders, subcontracts liability, bonds and more. This is an intermediate-level course.

307. Construction law and contracts. Understand the legal components of a MnDOT contract, specifications, performance bonds and MnDOT forms. This is an advanced-level class.

108. Value of marketing. Gain an understanding of branding and the importance of marketing. Discuss ways to build your brand, market your company and create an elevator pitch. Gain a basic understanding of different marketing techniques.

208. Integrating marketing strategies. In this intermediate-level course, focus on types of marketing strategies and how to integrate them. Discuss and prepare a marketing plan and learn the value of using multiple strategies.

308. Action plan. In this advanced-level course, set marketing goals and create an action plan to achieve them. Discuss the value of analyzing results within a marketing cycle. Understand how to adjust your marketing strategy as your company grows.