District: Headquarters
Contact: Edward Barrera
Fresno — Caltrans will host its fifth annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Summit on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Fresno Convention Center, connecting small, disabled veteran and disadvantaged businesses with public agencies and prime contractors to expand access to transportation contracting opportunities and build California’s new generation of transportation infrastructure.
The free, in-person event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is designed to help businesses build relationships, learn about procurement opportunities, and access resources that support long-term growth. Those interested can register here.
“Small businesses play a critical role in delivering projects that serve California’s communities,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “This Summit, supported by Governor Newsom’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity, connects small businesses with the tools and partnerships they need to compete and succeed while doing business with the state.”
The summit theme — “Come ~ Network ~ Grow” — reflects Caltrans’ commitment to strengthening small business participation in California’s transportation programs.
“Caltrans is committed to reaching out to small business enterprises, disadvantaged business enterprises, and disabled veteran business enterprises to ensure they benefit from increased contracting opportunities,”
The summit will provide resources, information and networking opportunities designed to benefit entrepreneurs and representatives of DBEs, small business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE). The program will help diverse communities get opportunities to benefit from historic state and federal transportation investments.
WHAT: Fifth Annual Caltrans DBE Summit
WHERE: Fresno Convention Center
WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHO: Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy
California High-Speed Rail Authority Chief Deputy Director Mark Tollferson
Caltrans Office of Civil Rights Deputy Director David DeLuz
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer
Caltrans District 6 Director Michael Navarro
HOW: Businesses are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet to participate in the interactive Cal eProcure clinic. Registration is free and open to the public.
Register: Event Registration
*For questions, please email smallbusinessadvocate@dot.ca.gov
Attendees will have opportunities to connect with Caltrans District Small Business Liaisons and procurement staff, network with prime contractors seeking subcontractors and partners, meet advocates from state and local agencies offering contracting opportunities, participate in a hands-on Cal eProcure Clinic to strengthen business profiles, and learn about Caltrans resources, supportive services, and Mentor-Protégé programs
For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit build.ca.gov.