PRESCOTT — An Arizona Department of Transportation conference in October will help owners of small businesses and those qualifying for ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program learn how to bid for projects and contracts.

The Statewide DBE & Small Business Conference, to be held Oct. 12 and 13 at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center, will feature workshops, networking opportunities and one-on-one time with experts in areas such as banking, insurance and bonding, marketing and consulting. The goal: helping small businesses and those owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for projects that receive federal funding.

“ADOT recognizes the value that DBEs and small businesses bring to our state, which is why it’s essential to help them learn how to thrive in the transportation industry,” said Dr. Vivien Lattibeaudiere, manager of ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office. “With access to project opportunities, they can become a meaningful part of building the transportation infrastructure in our state.”

Although the conference is geared toward disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in transportation.

Businesses interested in attending the conference can register and purchase tickets online at bit.ly/2bWFESY.

For more information on the workshop or ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, contact the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office at 602-712-7761 or visit adotdbe.com.