How We Do It
Our Training Family
Through collaboration with multiple federal, state, and local agencies, MWDBE Training and Resource Academy Inc. has cultivated a nationwide network of practitioners and entities dedicated to providing education and regulatory training information. The focus is on advancing equity and supporting underserved communities through programs primarily funded by the federal government. With over 43,000 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms spanning 47 Unified Certification Program (UCP) locations and interacting with more than 175,000 agencies nationwide, our goal is to equip as many DBE firms as possible with the knowledge of rules and regulations governing federally funded programs.
Participation in our training programs, whether in person or via live online sessions, involves daily, moderated lessons through group sessions. This approach instills knowledge, discipline, and professionalism in a supportive environment. The MWDBE Training and Resource Academy Inc. boasts a collaborative ecosystem with liaisons, mentors, and numerous practitioners working together to understand and navigate the intricacies of rules and regulations, particularly 49CFR Part 23/26. In this journey, you are not alone.
Our partnership with federal, state, and local agencies aims to assist minority-owned professionals in evolving from mere students to certified and qualified "commercially useful functioning" DBE business owners. The academy prioritizes technical training methods aligned with rules and regulations, positioning businesses for success. The national network of liaisons, mentors, trainers, and practitioners collaborates consistently, adhering to established schedules.
As a small business training resource center, we incorporate practical and applied learning elements. Various promotional ranks are available, providing continual goals for individuals to work toward. To become a practitioner/trainer, a minimum of 32 hours of training regarding 49CFR Part 23/26 is required. While other rules, regulations, and laws are considered, at the academy, we firmly stand behind 49CFR Part 23/26 as the essential foundation for success.
The MWDBE Training and Resource Academy Inc. in conjunction with multiple federal, state and local agencies works together to help minority owned and operated professionals transition from students of the game to highly certified and qualified “commercially useful functioning” DBE business owners.
We focus and rely on technical training method following the rules and regulations putting you and your business in position to succeed. Our national network of Liaisons, Mentors, trainers, and hundreds of practitioners who work together every training day as our schedule is established. We are a small business training resource center that has a practical and applied learning element. We have various levels of promotional ranks to always have a goal to work toward, to become a practitioner/trainer you have to have had at least 32 hours of training regarding 49CFR Part 23/26. Other rules, regulations and laws are practiced but at the academy we stand behind 49CFR Part 23/26 as the keys to the kingdom.
Superior Training Library of Knowledge
Within the MWDBE Training and Resource Academy Inc., an extensive array of online technical training sessions caters to various levels of expertise and group engagement. The unique training philosophy of MWDBE Training Academy Inc. becomes evident quickly. The mantra "Don't just settle!" resonates, encapsulating the essence of our approach. Our motto, "If you knew better, you could do better," underlines the commitment to empowering individuals with knowledge. Rather than attempting to follow or chase the market, our focus lies in teaching you to identify robust potential relationships and then sustain your position in the market.
The training emphasizes leveraging straightforward yet sophisticated marketing and promotional methods to maintain a consistent understanding of how minority programs should operate. This understanding aligns with federal rules and regulations, particularly 49 CFR Part 23/26, and other applicable federal laws.
As a new practitioner, you will receive comprehensive knowledge that guides you through detailed instructions on how to establish a successful certified and qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) owned business or achieve your specific objectives. The step-by-step learning process is crucial, and real-time simulated cases are integrated into your training. This approach provides you with the knowledge and confidence necessary to operate as a legitimate "commercially useful function" minority-owned and operated business. Engaging in discussions with other minority-owned and operated business owners about real cases across U.S. markets allows you to build a solid track record and practical insights.
Customized Training Features
Our resource center for training extends support to individuals by offering guidance in marketing, outreach efforts, education, and training. We delve into the current federal programs and policies applicable to small business owners, aiding local government agencies in streamlining and enhancing processes for efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and best practices. The academy's mission is centered around fostering the development of minority business owners by imparting knowledge on conducting business with local government agencies. Our overarching goal is to collaborate with agencies to create and promote opportunities for small and historically disadvantaged businesses, enabling them to compete for agency purchases and contracts.
The MWDBE Training and Resource Academy Inc. elevates understanding by imparting superior knowledge and discipline regarding minority federal programs, taking the comprehension of rules and regulations to a higher level. Each training day, the MWDBE Training Academy conducts moderated sessions, providing valuable federal, state, and local information in a scripted or custom format, creating an all-encompassing learning experience.
Superior Knowledge
The resources provided below can prove beneficial in the incorporation and adherence to Title VI:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 serves as a cornerstone in preventing discrimination in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Specifically, Title VI stipulates that "no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." All entities receiving Federal funds are obligated to adhere to Title VI requirements, which have broad applicability to the programs and activities of both recipients and subrecipients.
The USDOT Title VI program mandates that DOT operating administrations establish comprehensive community participation requirements. These requirements must be met by applicants and recipients as a condition for receiving Federal financial assistance, as outlined in U.S. DOT Order 1000.12C. The development of a Community Participation Plan is a key aspect of the USDOT Title VI program, ensuring full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This plan facilitates meaningful public participation and engagement, ensuring that funding recipients and organizations are well-informed about the potential impact of programs or activities on affected communities. It also aims to ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and considered throughout all stages of the consultation, planning, and decision-making process.
A Community Participation Plan, which may involve updating existing Public Participation Plans or other policies, should guide the organization's overall public involvement activities. USDOT operating administrations will provide guidelines establishing expectations for Community Participation Plans for their grant recipients, as detailed in DOT Order 1000.12C, Chapter II, Section 4.
Superior Discipline
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is dedicated to addressing disparities within our transportation systems to ensure that communities reap the benefits of safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods. Well-crafted transportation policies have the potential to foster equity, transforming economies, connecting individuals to opportunities, and empowering underserved communities to establish generational wealth. In collaboration with the traveling public, community leaders, State, Tribal, and local governments, as well as Federal agencies overseeing regulations, MWDBE Training Academy Inc. is committed to community empowerment through technical assistance resources, exemplified by this set of promising practices for meaningful public involvement.
Our seasoned outreach coordinators guide you in adhering to success-driven principles. Through our daily live in-person and online moderated sessions, you will consistently reinforce your understanding of the rules and regulations governing funding agencies. This approach facilitates seamless transitions from being a newcomer to becoming a trusted source.
While the responsibility for maintaining high standards in training and business decisions lies with you, we support you through continuous training, market observation, and live interpretation. The onus is on you to uphold accountability for excellence, and we contribute by providing ongoing guidance and insights.