Training programs | Small business training programs
DBE personal narrative workshop and 1-1 sessions
The Minnesota Unified Certification Program partners are offering DBE personal narrative workshops, along with one-to-one support, to help Minnesota-based business owners develop their personal narrative required under the DBE Interim Final Rule.
Writing your DBE personal narrative workshop
The personal narrative workshop provides guidance and examples to help you prepare your narrative for certification under the DBE Interim Final Rule.
- Online: Writing your personal narrative workshop (via YouTube)*
Before you begin the recorded workshop, please download the workbook that accompanies the training.
*Notice – The information in this video contains information that has since changed based on the DBE Final Rule that was published on Sept. 25, 2026. The final rule clarified:
• Narratives may include personal experiences of race or sex discrimination so long as it’s part of an individualized narrative.
• The comparison of similarly situated individuals should be non-disadvantaged individuals with comparable qualifications.
• An objective basis for social disadvantage should be identified. This may be an objective distinguishing feature or any identifiable status or condition.
Other parts of information in this workshop, such as eliminating group-based presumptions, requiring individualized narratives with evidence, and demonstrating economic harm are consistent with the final rule’s approach.
Personal narrative 1-1 session
Free one-to-one support for Minnesota small business owners to:
- Learn about the new DBE program requirements
- Navigate personal narrative criteria
- Answer your questions
Eligibility: Minnesota-based small businesses seeking Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification. (Firms based in other states must go through the certification process in their Jurisdiction of certification prior to requesting interstate DBE certification in Minnesota.)
To sign up for a one-to-one sessions, email DRB Consulting, DBEsupport@drbteam.com.