The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and affiliated agencies have invited small business owners to a free seminar from 7 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Glendale Civic Center, regarding eligibility for the state’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

The ADOT plans to convey handy tips and useful tools for entrepreneurs; relay potential project connections; offer networking opportunities; and present speakers in the transportation industry, including ADOT Director John Halikowski.

“ADOT is committed to providing equal opportunity to businesses wishing to help build and sustain Arizona’s transportation infrastructure,” Halikowski said. “In federal fiscal year 2015, ADOT alone awarded $40 million in contracts to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.”

Partner agencies hosting the event include the Phoenix Public Transit and Street Transportation departments, Valley Metro and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. ADOT reaches out to small businesses in Arizona to help them vie for contracts, providing the enterprises are owned by socially and economically challenged groups such as women and minorities.

“ADOT’s DBE program is critical to helping to reduce barriers to entry and teaching DBEs and small businesses how to fish, thrive and survive in the transportation industry,” Dr. Vivien Lattibeaudiere, manager of ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office, said. “With access to project opportunities, they can become a meaningful part of building the transportation infrastructure in our state.”

While focused on disadvantaged firms, the expo welcomes attendance from all businesses, public agencies, vendors, community partners and other stakeholders with an interest in the transportation industry.

To register for this free event, visit adotdbeexpo.com.