Oregon Small Business Initiative
The Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, and the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of the Associated General Contractors have joined forces to create the Oregon Small Business Initiative. Today’s infrastructure projects are more difficult and technical than ever before, and the initiative was created to improve the capability and capacity all contractors working on ODOT projects, including primes; subcontractors; and minority, women, and emerging small businesses (MWESB). The initiative will accomplish this through several means: training for MWESB contractors on general business subjects, such as estimating and bidding, certified payroll, and cash flow management, with additional ODOT-specific information that could include training with specific prime contractors; training for prime contractors that could include diversity, mentoring, and small business issues; and facilitating networking between MWESB and prime contractors.
ATTENTION OREGON DBE FIRMS
Are you ready to take your business to the next level and become a leader in your field?
ODOT is sponsoring tuition costs for two Oregon-certified DBE firms to participate in this year’s Minority Business Executive Program at University of Washington–Foster School of Business in Seattle, Washington, June 16–21, 2013.
The MBE Program focuses on the following: finance and accounting, the innovation value chain, leadership, brand and marketing strategy, strategic thinking, and human resource management. For more information on the program and curriculum, click here.
Each sponsored participant must be an Oregon-certified DBE firm that has performed, will perform, or has a strong interest in performing work on ODOT projects. ODOT prefers to sponsor one DBE certified in construction project-related services and one DBE certified in architecture and engineering or related services.
To apply for an ODOT sponsorship, contact the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council.
DBE FAQs
ODOT Office of Civil Rights has developed a series of Frequently Asked Questions on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, which is now posted on the Office of Civil Rights DBE Program web page under Resource Documents.
The DBE FAQs provide information on the following:
- Program Background
- Certification Eligibility
- DBE Goals (Overall and Contract – general information)
- DBE Goals on A&E Contracts
- DBE Goals on Construction Contracts
- Contract Administration: Monitoring DBE Participation
- DBE Networking, Outreach & Resources
Overcoming Obstacles: Best Practices for Subcontractors, General Contractors, and Public Agencies
The SB-GO! Council tackled some general issues with doing business in the construction industry. From nearly two years of meetings comes a whitepaper, with suggestions and tricks to be more profitable and successful.
ODOT Highway/Bridge Construction Contracting Useful Websites
- ODOT Home Page
- Contracting Web Portal
- To register for monthly email (listserve) update of highway construction project opportunities
- Procurement Office – Construction
- Schedule of Upcoming Projects
- Notice to Contractors
- Bid and Award Information
- Bid Tabs – Bid and Award Information
- Average Bid Prices
- NOI – Bid and Award Information
- ODOT Small Contracting Program
- Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN)
ORPIN help desk: 503-378-4642 - Office of Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Businesses
- ODOT Office of Civil Rights
- www.ODOTSmallBusinessSupport.org
- www.ODOTWorkforceDevelopment.org
OAME Links
More calendar items are available here. We have an extensive calendar, and many events not specifically targeted to small or MWESB businesses that would be beneficial. To add events, meetings, or opportunities to the calendar, contact Karla Holland, 503-685-8319.
Upcoming Small Business Events
| Date | Event Name | Location | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 2013 | ReConnect Networking Effort | BESThq | Small Business | BESThq is hosting a networking event for small businesses as a follow up to their Business West Expo that took place earlier in the month. For those that made great connections at the event, here is a chance to reconnect again. Food will be provided by Noodles & Company. |
| May 31, 2013 to May 30, 2013 |
TriMet Reception | Embassy Suites Hotel - Portland Downtown | Small Business | TriMet and it's partners are hosting a free reception to celebrate their nationally recognized DBE program and new records in DBE participation and contracts being set on the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project. |
| Jun 5, 2013 to Jul 17, 2013 |
Foundations I: Small Business Training | Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce | Small Business | Mercy Corps NW presents this business development course. Small businesses will learn how to write a business plan, register for a state business license and city permit, tap into credit and funding resources, and market their products & services. Scholarships are available, click the registration link. |
| Jun 12, 2013 | Small Business Advisory Council Meeting | Portland City Hall | Small Business | SBAC advocates on the behalf of all small business in the City of Portland and advises the City Council on various regulations, taxes, fees and policies which could have a direct or indirect affect on small businesses. If you are a small business owner this meeting is worth the time investment. |
| Jun 14, 2013 | OAME Contractors & AEPT Meeting | Oregon Association of Minority Entrep. | Small Business | Join the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs. Leaders from the private and public sectors come together to announce upcoming projects and network with the business community. This event is free and open to the public. |
To add events, meetings, or opportunities to the calendar, contact Karla Holland, 503-685-8319.
