Hurley Highlights Upcoming IDOT Workshops for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

CHICAGO – State Rep. Fran Hurley is encouraging qualifying disadvantaged small businesses to participate in a series of upcoming virtual workshops for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

“The DBE program supports local businesses, and helps in the construction of infrastructure across our state,” Hurley said. “These workshops will help businesses better access and participate in highway, transit and airport contracts that are federally and state funded.”

New and existing DBEs, as well as businesses interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited to participate in IDOT’s “Building Blocks of Success” series in November. Workshops will be focused on helping firms strengthen their skills, grow their business and bid on state budgets. The following topics are currently scheduled:

• 1, 10 a.m. to noon: Expansion of Work Category Codes
• 3, 10 a.m. to noon: QuickBooks Part 1 – Setting up your Company
• 8, 10 a.m. to noon: Accounting Best Practices & Financial Reporting
• 10, 10 a.m. to noon: Improving Your Personal & Business (D&B) Credit Score
• 15, 10 a.m. to noon: Navigating the IDOT Website (Basic)
• 17, 10 a.m. to noon: Navigating the IDOT Website (Advanced)
• 29, 10 a.m. to noon: QuickBooks Part 2 – Performing Day to Day, Part 2

The workshop series is planned to continue through April, and will have additional topics of focus. Advance registration is required and available through Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops.

Questions on the workshops can be directed to IDOT’s DBE Resource Center at 312-939-1100. For more information on becoming a certified DBE and learning about additional IDOT resources, please visit www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.