The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s Business Development Program (BDP) provides tailored training and technical assistance to DBE firms who are actively seeking highway construction projects and those that exhibit the highest potential to successfully bid on these projects. As the program consultant for DBE Supportive Services in Region B, the Urban League of Louisiana will administer the BDP program on behalf of the LADOTD for selected firms.

The BDP is a two-year business and workforce development program designed to assist in strengthening the business, financial, and technical capacity of DBE firms who have the highest potential to effectively bid, compete, and perform on highway construction projects. In addition, the BDP seeks to assist participating firms in expanding their ability to compete in the marketplace on projects outside of the DBE program. The program provides traditional supportive services to selected DBEs, including:

• One-on-one and small group advising sessions
• Capacity-building coaching
• Technical assistance
• Strategic business planning
• Access to market- and industry-specific resources such as bonding and insurance resources

BEach DBE owner must commit to the two-year, in-depth business development curriculum. Only the owner of each participating firm is eligible to participate. The admission to the program is not transferrable and individuals who are not the owner are not permitted to attend.

As a part of the BDP, participants will also have opportunities to network with industry leaders and experts. Many sessions will include guest speakers and representatives from the LADOTD, as well as, other statewide procurement professionals.

For classes held online via webinar, participants will be sent a registration link for each session. All in-class trainings will be held at Urban League of Louisiana, Contractor’s Resource Center, 4640 S. Carrollton Ave., Ste. 250, New Orleans, LA 70119, or other specified location. The BDP schedule is subject to change and may be modified at the discretion of the Urban League of Louisiana and the LADOTD.

The application deadline for the 2022-23 BDP cohort is Friday, February 25, 2022 at 5:00pm CST.

The curriculum and schedule for the two-year program are below. Schedule subject to change.