by Chief Editor, Pleshette Robertson
WERE YOU THERE? Don’t miss the next Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Certification Workshop presented in partnership by the California Black Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Sacramento Urban League. There were over 60 entrepreneurs and small business owners who gathered for the certification workshop on Thurs-Jan 23rd at the Greater Sacramento Urban League.
Several speakers from Caltrans and California Capital PTAC-Procurement Technical Assistance Center who provided vital information and key take-aways that included:
- What it means for you to become a DBE certified business; the benefits
- Once certified learning how to bid on contracts (via Caltrans, caleprocure.ca.gov)
- Accessing resources for 1 on 1 business counseling and advising (with emphasis on proposal development and how to compose a Capability Statement for your business)
It is essential for entrepreneurs and small business owners to seek out and take advantage of these resources available in order to access billions of dollars in contracts in doing business with the State of California whether it be as a prime contractor or subcontractor. If you are a black-owned business owner, please take the time to complete the DBE certification process as it can be a lengthy (but not that long) process that involves time on your part but will be well worth it in setting up your company to be eligible to bid on state contracts as well as pitch your business as a subcontractor on billion dollar contracts.
DID YOU KNOW that each state department of transportation is required to have a unified certification program – CUCP-California Unified Certification Program. Member agencies may consist of both certifying and non-certifying agencies. All CUCP member agencies operate under one agreement. CUCP Certifying Agencies include the following: Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San Mateo County Transit District (SAMTRANS), City of Fresno, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO), City of Los Angeles.
For more info about the DBE Certification Program, CLICK HERE.
For assistance with your DBE Application call (916) 324-1700 or email dbe.certification@dot.ca.gov
To learn about the next Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Certification Workshop, contact the California Black Chamber of Commerce at: (916) 467-8878 or e-mail Cbcc@calbcc.org
