Training & Events

• January 15 - March 19, 2025

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

• Hosted by CDOT and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Serving Southern Colorado

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

• Registration coming soon! Email southernco@coloradosbdc.org or call 719-549-3245 to pre-register.

• Peer learning with a group of construction contractors in the highway design and construction 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: $250 (fully refunded if you graduate from the program)

The fee will be refunded after the course 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 or Connect2DOT consultant or in a group peer session

We have been running this highly-rated business planning program 1-2 times per year since 2015. More than 200 participants have graduated and gone on to be successful contractors and consultants. Check out the list of past graduates and the services they provide.