Eligible small firms that want to pursue business opportunities with the Georgia Department of Transportation now have a resource specifically designed to enable them to do just that.

Georgia DOT’s State Supported Funding Program has opened a Business Resource Help Center to assist eligible disadvantaged business enterprises, and registered small and veteran-owned businesses in identifying and responding to business opportunities funded by the Transportation Funding Act of 2015. These include a backlog of statewide routine maintenance projects like crack sealing; pothole repair; concrete slab repair; drainage work; roadway striping; guardrail repair; right-of-way clearing; vegetation maintenance; tree trimming; mowing; litter pick-up and more. These routine maintenance activities offer DBEs and small and medium-sized businesses—who may have not previously worked with Georgia DOT—the opportunity to establish themselves as a qualified contractor to bid on projects.

On Thursday, representatives from 20 small businesses joined Georgia DOT officials at a Business Center open house, where they discussed topics ranging from prequalification to bonding. The sentiment of the attendees was that the help center “represents the hope of real opportunity for doing business with Georgia DOT.” Firms are eager to apply for qualification on state funded routine maintenance projects and are looking forward to obtaining assistance from center staff with understanding the process.

“As the newly elected chairman of the State Transportation Board, the opening of this center reaffirms my commitment and GDOT’s commitment to ensuring that the Department provides access to opportunities for all contractors throughout the state of Georgia,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Brown. “We are fully committed to the success of the DBE program and the businesses that participate.”

The Business Help Center was established by Georgia DOT to provide these firms with training, consulting services, targeted matchmaking, one-on-one assistance, meeting space and computer access. The center, which is staffed with SSFP business specialists to assist eligible firms, is located in Decatur at One West Court Square, Suite 750. It is open Monday through Friday. Phone 678-420-5500. Visit www.gdotstateprojects.com.