CHARLOTTE – 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 has held, offered small businesses 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 these 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 genearal, based on NCDOT's Office of Civil Rights survey. One participant shared that the enjoyed learning about the many opportutnies available with the agency and business partners.
Building on the success of the Charlotte event, additional bilingual workshops are set for the following dates and locations 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 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.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.