We guarantee fair wages for construction workers on government-funded projects.
Goals
Goals depend on the type of construction.
Equity in Development
In November 2020, the Rochester City Council approved measures to promote fair procurement and employment practices on public infrastructure and publicly funded private investment projects. These measures include the Targeted Business contracting objectives, Prevailing Wage standards, and Workforce Participation goals for City-funded Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects.
We support small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Goals
- 7% of the total value of commercial construction projects
- 4% for heavy civil construction projects
Workforce Participation Program
We are committed to diverse teams, ensuring opportunities for everyone in our community.
Goals
- Women: 9%
- People of color: 15%
Additional Information
Destination Medical Center (DMC) legislation includes provisions for infrastructure projects (construction projects) completed using DMC funding. Funded by DMC, these provisions provide opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned businesses, and women and People of Color.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Barriers Study
The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency (EDA) engaged MaKee Company to conduct a study of barriers to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) / Targeted Businesses (TB) firms.
We aim to build capacity in our community by phasing in goals from 2021 through 2025. These thresholds represent the minimum project costs for each respective year:
- 2021: $5,000,000
- 2022: $3,000,000
- 2023: $1,000,000
- 2024: $500,000
- 2025 & Beyond: $175,000
Resources for Recruitment, Training and Retainment
Resources for Starting & Scaling a Business
- APEX Accelerator: Provides technical assistance to businesses interested in selling products or services to federal, state, and local government agencies.
- Collider Foundation: Activates, connects, and empowers Rochester's early-stage entrepreneurs with start-up support, education, co-working space, and storytelling.
- Red Wing Ignite: Supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and students for area economic growth.
- Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.: Leads and supports economic, community, and workforce development initiatives that grow and diversify the greater Rochester area economy.
- Small Business Development Center Southeast Region: The Minnesota network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provides the professional expertise and guidance for small business owners.
Targeted Business Certification
The City proudly supports businesses owned and operated by women, minorities, and veterans.
We recognize the following small business certifications:
CERT (Central Certification Program)
- Administered by: City of St. Paul
- Description: The Central Certification Program helps businesses gain recognition and access opportunities
- Directory of Certified Businesses: City of St. Paul's CERT Certification Program webpage
MNUCP (Minnesota Unified Certification Program)
- Administered by: City of Minneapolis, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Met Council, and MnDOT
- Description: MNUCP offers a streamlined process across multiple agencies
- Directory of Certified Businesses: Visit the MNUCP webpage
TG/ED (Targeted Group/Economically Disadvantaged Small Business Program
- Administered by: Materials Management Division of the Minnesota Department of Administration
- Description: This program supports businesses that are economically disadvantaged or part of targeted groups.
- Directory of Certified Businesses: Visit the TG/ED/VO Small Business Procurement Program webpage
Apply for Certification
To apply for any of these certifications, please visit the Minnesota Small Business Certification Portal.
Contact Us
Connect with City Services
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