WisDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Information and Recruitment Event – Virtual

WisDOT DBE Support Services is offering a DBE Information and Recruitment Event for potential DBE firms, prime contractors, and DBE firms looking to expand service offerings and/or begin working with the state.

WisDOT invests $600-700 million annually in federal and state dollars for highway, airport and transit projects. These funds translate into millions of dollars in transportation-related contracts and project work for DBE firms.

Who qualifies as a DBE?

​Any small business at least 51% owned, operated and fully controlled on a daily basis by a member or members of the groups listed below qualifies.

In the case of publicly held firms, a member or members of the listed groups must own at least 51% of the stock issued. Groups include:

• African Americans
• Native Americans
• Hispanic Americans
• Asian-Pacific Americans
• Asian-Indian Americans
• Women

Individuals who are not members of one of the groups above can be found to be socially disadvantaged as defined by Appendix E of 49 CFR Part 26. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR Part 26

If you are interested in attending this event, CLICK HERE.

AGENDA (click to download)

8:00 AM

• Welcome & Introductions – Jeff Johnson, M.E., JW Johnson & Associates, Inc.

8:15 – 9:00 AM

• DBE certification overview – Madalena Maestri, EdD, DBE Program Chief, WisDOT
  • Basic DBE certification requirements
  •  Opportunities and benefits of certification
• Are You Ready for DBE certification? – Jeff Johnson
  • Tips for becoming DBE Certified
  • Keeping and expanding your DBE Certification

9:00 – 10:15 AM

• Overview of current and projected areas of WisDOT construction and professional service opportunities – Jeff Gust, WisDOT
• WisDOT / DBE Trucking Policy – Paul Ndon, WisDOT
• DBE Firm Shares Their Experience – Amy Hacker, White Buffalo Trucking

10:15 AM *** Break ***

10:30 AM

• Access to Business Loans and Contract Financing – First American Capital Corporation (FACC), Wisconsin Native Loan Fund (WINLF)
• Opportunities for Federal/Local Contracting and their Certification Programs – Wisconsin Procurement Institute

 11:15 AM

• Developing Your Business Capacity Statement – Marci Martin, Write Like That

Noon – End of Program

Coordinated by WisDOT, JW Johnson & Associates, Inc., Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI), and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (AICCW).