Newly certified Maine DBEs will be provided with an orientation to the program. This orientation session will provide an opportunity for your DBE Business Services Specialist to assess your business needs and how they can best help your business grow and earn more MaineDOT work. Topics to be addressed include state contracting procedures, how to submit bids and quotes, where to find project plans, how to navigate the MaineDOT website, and more information about the services available to certified Maine DBEs and how to use them.
Your DBE Business Services Specialist is also available to provide guidance and assistance with general business practices. Business counseling topics include writing a business plan, marketing your business, calculating overhead rates, managing finances and cash flow, human resources issues, insurance, taxes, policies, documentation, and more. Individual business counseling will be provided to you as part of this program to ensure your profitability and long term success. Your Business Services Specialist can also refer you to subject matter experts in areas such as Quick Books, lending, bonding, insurance, and legal issues.
The DBE Supportive Services program recognizes the business need for technology and website development and includes assistance in this area. Your Business Services Specialist is available to you for assistance in identifying appropriate hardware, software, and training programs to suit your business technology needs along with assistance in navigating MaineDOT’s electronic bidding system, submission of federal forms, and more.
In addition, DBE Supportive Services has partnered with the University of Maine in Augusta to establish corporate websites for certified Maine DBEs free of the design charge. Your Business Services Specialist will coordinate the site design between you and the UMA Computer Science department and will assist with the launch of the site and site maintenance training. There are a limited number of website designs available.
Tuition reimbursement is available to Certified Maine DBEs with a $1,000 limit per company per year. To receive reimbursement, the educational opportunity must be pre-approved by MaineDOT staff. Annual funding is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. Contact your Business Services Specialist for the pre-approval form or for more information.
As part of the Maine DBE Supportive Services program, all potential and certified Maine DBEs have access to EMDC workshops, as well as those provided by Maine Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) staff. Topics for Maine DBEs include writing a business plan, marketing your business, calculating your business overhead rate, marketing material development, MaineDOT overhead rate, and finances and cash flow.
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