Training & Events

• January 15 - March 19, 2025

• Weekly on Thursdays from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

• Hosted by CDOT and the Southern CO SBDC

• Hybrid (In person with option for virtual if you cannot attend in person)

• Stay tuned for registration!

• Peer learning with a group of construction contractors in the transportation industry

• One-on-one coaching from course facilitators and consultants

• 10 three-hour weekly meetings including small group exercises and expert guest speakers 

• Introduction to industry mentors and opportunities to connect with prime contractors, government agencies, and other resources

• Development of your business plan and strategy for the next 1-5 years 

1. Chart Your Course:  Refocus your mission, vision, goals, and core values.

2. Show Me the Money:  Understand your financial position and forecast cash flow projections for hiring, equipment acquisition, and expansion.

3. Marketing Magnetism:  Learn successful marketing strategies for small businesses.

4. Mastering Government Contracting:  Navigate certifications, target customers, government bid opportunities, and tips for winning more contracts.

5. Bidding to Win:  Understand how much to charge and which tools and tricks can help you create more accurate bids (split session for consultants and contractors).

6. Operational Efficiency:  Improve your systems and policies for HR, bonding, insurance, cybersecurity, lines of credit, and more.

7. Meet the Primes:  Get the inside scoop from prime contractors and government agencies on upcoming projects and how you can stand out from the crowd.

8. Business Plan Reinvented (Part 1):  Summarize your business plan and receive 360-degree input from your coaches and peers to help refine your growth strategy.

9. Business Plan Reinvented (Part 2):  Final plan reviews and wrap up discussions.

10. Graduation!  Celebrate your success with family, friends, and peers and get recognized by program hosts from CDOT & SBDC.

• Free registration to all workshops offered by the host SBDC while enrolled

• Free assistance with updating and finalizing your business plan

• Free assistance with and review of your small business certification application

• Extra evaluation points for ESB certified program graduates who apply for the CDOT Mentor-Protégé program

• Entry into the Colorado SBDC Annual Business Plan Competition with cash prizes for top awardees

• Invitation to an exclusive Meet & Greet event with prime contractors for alumni

• Firms in highway design or construction or a field related to transportation and infrastructure

• In business 2+ years (or equivalent industry experience)

• Minimum of $500,000 in annual sales

• Currently have employees or planning to hire

• Able to provide a balance sheet, statement of cash flow, income statement and quarterly profit and loss statements

• Eager to learn and committed to growing your business

• Certified DBE/ESB/MWBE/SBE or eligible for certification

Exceptions may be considered. Please contact the Connect2DOT Program Manager at (720) 624-6728.

Standard Program Fee: $495 ($0 if you complete the program)

SPECIAL (with CDOT approval): $247.50 deposit fully refunded if you complete the program

Firms may apply for scholarships to cover the deposit. The fee will be refunded to firms who meet the following graduation requirements:

• Attend at least 8 of 10 sessions (includes graduation celebration on week 10)

• Actively participate in course discussion and complete assignments

• Submit a business development plan within 2 weeks of the final class

• Meet one-on-one with an SBDC consultant or in a group peer session

We have been running the LEADING EDGE for Transportation & Construction business planning program 1-2 times per year since 2015. Almost 200 participants have graduated during that time. Check out the list of past graduates and the services they provide.