All across the country, a lot of efforts are happening to uplift Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Contractor News commends the efforts being done by local, state, and federal authorities, and we have reported exhaustively on this.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold free virtual courses in March as part of its ongoing Building Blocks of Success series for DBE enterprises. It is aimed at enhancing their skills, growing their business, and on how to bid on state contracts. Old, new, and potential DBEs can take part in this workshop.

Though the workshops are open to all, there are some tailored specifications for certain districts/regions of the state.

The first two workshops were conducted on the 2nd and 7th of March and were based on landscaping and how to avoid pitfalls.

Upcoming dates and topics for the March workshop:

• 9th March, 10 a.m. to noon: Overhead Rate Calculation, Construction & Professional Services, and more
• 14th March, 10 a.m. to noon: Daily Documentation
• 16th March, 10 a.m. to noon: Force Account (T&M) Work
• 21st March, 10 a.m. to noon: Getting Paid
• 23rd March, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction Materials Requirements (IDOT)

Businesses looking to participate in the workshops must register in advance. Please contact IDOT's DBE Resource Center at (312) 939-1100.

IDOT is assisting in delivering the largest capital program in state history as part of Gov. Pritzker's historic and bipartisan Rebuild Illinois initiative. IDOT wants to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of Rebuild Illinois implementation, including contracting and worker engagement.

The IDOT’s DBE program allows minorities, women, and other eligible small enterprises to participate in federal and state-funded roadway, transit, and airport contracts.