Business Opportunity and Workforce Development Center

The Business Opportunity and Workforce Development (BOWD) Center is an exciting initiative offered by the Virginia Department of Transportation to provide supportive services and training to a select group of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms.

Targeted one-on-one assistance is offered to 22 underutilized DBE firms in areas including:

• Bond packaging
• Computerized accounting and finances
• Job cost accounting system
• Estimating, bidding and proposal preparation
• Construction management project and technical assistance
• Marketing
• Technical and technology assistance
• Cost benefit analysis/business planning

The BOWD Center offers additional resources, such as access to:

• Computers
• A plan room
• A library
• Meeting space
• Other business related amenities

A major component of the program is the opportunity to partner with prime contractors as one method for the DBEs to enhance their skills and expand their business network.

DBE Profiles

Profiles of the 22 DBE firms are below. The group includes both construction and consultant firms. Contact information and areas of expertise are included.

PDFs

• DBE profiles of the 22 DBE firms (184 KB)
• New specification for utilization of BOWD Center DBE firms (26 KB)

Workforce Development

The BOWD Center offers a workforce development component that prepares employees of DBE firms and other disadvantaged individuals for employment in highway construction. 

Training is available for qualified adults desiring a career in one of the highway construction trades.

This program can assist a contractor in meeting their on-the-job training goals while increasing minority and female representation on VDOT construction projects.

DBE Supportive Services

The BOWD Center offers supportive services to DBE firms including:

• Business assessments
• Business development plans
• Referrals to consultants for assistance
• Training curriculum
• Financial rebates

Contact Us

BOWD Center
1602 Rolling Hills Drive
Suite 110
Richmond, VA  23229
Phone: (804) 662-9555
Fax: (804) 662-9570
Deborah Wood, administrative assistant

PDFs

• Directions to center (15 KB)
  
• BOWD flyer (622 KB)