W.C. Benton & Associates

Additional EDI Programs

The Entrepreneurial Development Institute helps DBE’s improve their profitability and become more viable to perform on DOT contracts.

There are no secrets to success but at EDI, we will help you develop a few secrets of your own.

W. C. Benton & Associates presented state of the art EDI sessions for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for eight years. The firm introduced the first specialized EDI program for professional services. The quality of instruction and content of the classes were excellent and were approved for continuing education credit for professional engineers. W. C. Benton & Associates’ full service programming also included recruitment of new DBEs, assistance with DBE certification applications, assistance with contract letting information and bid preparation, contract compliance interpretation and mediation, individualized management and technical assistance, computer training and advocacy programs. W. C. Benton & Associates’ regulatory specialists worked closely with KYTC’s Office of Minority Affairs to implement the extensive revisions to the DBE regulations issued by FHWA. The firm made presentations in eight communities across Kentucky on the major themes underlying the revised regulations: “leveling the playing field” and “narrowly tailored.” The presentations gave extensive explanations for the contract goal setting process and the personal net worth requirements. 

Based on relationships forged because of the Regional EDI, W. C. Benton & Associates presented a special EDI program in 2005 for the Alabama Department of Transportation with host, the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Why Benton?

By engaging W.C. Benton & Associates to present EDI, state DOT’s will:

  1. Ensure that their DBE contractor community knows and understands the processes and expectations of subcontractors who do business with DOT;
  2. Ensure that the pool of DBEs know and understand best management, technology, estimating, and financial accounting practices so that they can become more viable and move their firms to the next level; and
  3. Ensure comprehensive and detailed reporting that satisfies FHWA and other oversight agencies.

Many of the contractors that WC Benton & Associates developed and mentored continue to achieve profitable growth.  Benton’s implementation approach to the DBE program has proven to be effective and sustainable.