{
    "title": "Building Blocks of Success: IDOT announces dates for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program workshops",
    "modified_at": "2026-11-04 19:30:01",
    "published_at": "2026-11-04 19:30:00",
    "url": "https://illinois-department-of-transportation.prezly.com/building-blocks-of-success-idot-announces-dates-for-disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-workshops",
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    "body": "<p><strong>SPRINGFIELD</strong> &ndash; The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting free virtual workshops in November as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited. \u200b \u200b </p><p>November workshop dates and topics:</p><p> </p><ul class=\"release-content-list release-content-list--bulleted release-content-list--align-inherit\"><li><span>Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to noon: How to Destroy Your Credit in 90 seconds, and How to Rebuild It </span></li><li><span>Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to noon: Overhead Rate Calculation</span></li><li><span>Nov. 19, 10 a.m. to noon: My First Date: What to Know When Preparing Your Loan</span></li></ul><p> </p><p>Building Blocks of Success workshop information, including dates and times, is available through Eventbrite at <a href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/o/idot-supportive-services-15629822218\">bit.ly/DBEworkshops</a>. Advance registration is required. </p><p> Questions can be directed to IDOT&rsquo;s Bureau of Small Business Enterprises at (217) 785-4611.</p><p>Through Gov. JB Pritzker&rsquo;s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois, IDOT is helping to deliver the largest capital program in state history while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.</p><p> Administered by IDOT, the DBE program provides minorities, women and eligible small businesses with opportunities to participate in federally and state funded highway, transit and airport contracts. For more information on becoming a certified DBE and learning more about available IDOT resources, visit \u200b <a href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/o/idot-supportive-services-15629822218\">www.idot.illinois.gov</a>.</p><p> </p><p style=\"text-align: center\"># # #</p><div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-f5d663c5-b3d1-4e93-bbdb-498c6566121b\">\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Paul Wappel</strong>\n        <em class=\"release-content-contact__description\">IDOT</em>\n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:Paul.wappel@illinois.gov\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"Paul.wappel@illinois.gov\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>Paul.wappel@illinois.gov</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"tel:(217) 685-0082\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"(217) 685-0082\"><svg class=\"icon icon-mobile release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-mobile\"></use>\n            </svg>(217) 685-0082</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div><p>&nbsp;</p><div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-6a5b0117-0d27-4ec2-812f-279356a6b8f9\">\n    \n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Maria Castaneda</strong>\n        <em class=\"release-content-contact__description\">IDOT</em>\n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:maria.c.castaneda@illinois.gov\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"maria.c.castaneda@illinois.gov\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>maria.c.castaneda@illinois.gov</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"tel:(312) 447-1919\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"(312) 447-1919\"><svg class=\"icon icon-mobile release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-mobile\"></use>\n            </svg>(312) 447-1919</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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            "name": "Paul Wappel",
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            "name": "Maria Castaneda",
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