The N.C. Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights hosted a recent workshop to teach small businesses in the Hispanic community how to contract with the state agency.
The “Opportunities Tour: Conversations to Contracts,” which was the first bilingual workshop the office had held, offered small business insights into NCDOT’s supportive services and the contracts the state agency manages. The workshop was held Dec. 7 at the Camino Church in Charlotte.
“This fuels our agency’s commitment to empowering all businesses, and I’m excited about the positive impact our future workshops will have in the industry,” said Tunya Smith, director of the NCDOT Office of Civil Rights. “This workshop and the ones we are planning for 2024 underscore the importance of collaboration and inclusivity.”
Attendees at the Dec. 7 workshop heard presentations from NCDOT staff and business partners about the many contracting opportunities and supportive services available to small businesses interested in state transportation work.
Feedback from the Dec. 7 workshop was positive in general, based on NCDOT’s Office of Civil Rights survey. One participant shared that they enjoyed learning about the many opportunities available with the agency and business partners.
Building on the success of the Charlotte event, additional bilingual workshops are set for the following dates next year (click on the city link to register):
- Jan. 24 – Raleigh
- Feb. 28 – Wilmington
- March 27 – Asheville
Exact times and locations for these workshops will be available soon. However, registration, which is free, is now open, inviting small firms to participate and unlock the path to growth.
People can learn more about how to work with NCDOT by going to connect.ncdot.gov and clicking on “Doing Business.” People may also watch a video of the “Opportunities Tour: Conversations to Contracts” workshop in Charlotte.
