MDOT hosts conference for small and disadvantaged businesses
By Daniel Howell
Published: Oct. 30, 2026 at 12:53 AM GMT+1 | Updated: 3 hours ago
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ESCANABA, Mich. (WLUC) - The Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Small Business Construction Partnering Conference brought together small business owners, contractors, and transportation industry leaders from across upper Michigan and northern Wisconsin for a day focused on networking, education, and economic opportunity.
Ebony Alexander with the MDOT Office of Business Development Support is a key presenter.
"We are here to recruit small businesses to let small businesses know that MDOT is open, that there’s work available, and that we would love to have more firms participate. From engineering to design work to construction. We also have opportunities for people that are interested in the trades," Alexander said.
Alexander says this was the first of many stops she and her team will make as they travel across the state of Michigan.
Organized by MDOT’s Office of Business Development, the conference helps small and disadvantaged businesses learn about upcoming transportation projects, connect directly with prime contractors, and gain insight into the bidding and contracting process.
North Country Trucking Owner Sarah Sanville is looking to expand her business into future MDOT projects.
"I’m here today to learn more about (MDOT’s) services they offer to get set up as a small business," Sanville said.
Attendees participated in business networking sessions, received updates on infrastructure initiatives, and explored resources aimed to help their businesses grow and compete for state and federally funded projects.
Brittany Kleiman is the office manager with Klee Logging & Tree Service. She attended the conference to explore how they can network with other businesses with the services they offer.
"Tree removal, stump grinding, road clearings, lot clearings. We want to get our name out there and connect with other business owners to explore other options that we can get into," Kleiman said.
Organizers say the primary goal of the conference is to strengthen and grow partnerships with local businesses and support MDOT’s industry workforce.