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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

A minority female from Rowe is just one company that DBE assists.
Department of Transportation

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

MDOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is a federally required program designed to ensure that firms owned and controlled by minorities, women, and other socially and economically disadvantaged persons have the opportunity to grow and become self-sufficient through participation in federally funded MDOT contracts.

 

Apply for DBE certification

2025 Small Business Symposium

Learn. Connect. Grow.

Are you a small business, a certified DBE, prime contractor, association, agency or stakeholder in Michigan’s transportation infrastructure? If so, the 2025 Small Business Symposium is for you!

  • Learn how to read plans and proposals
  • Get the latest certification and MDOT updates
  • Connect with industry vendors
  • Discover new opportunities in transportation
Register for the symposium now
Public notice: Fiscal Year 2026-2028 overall DBE goal

Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Transportation Regulation at 49 CFR § 26.45, MDOT is currently working on establishing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2028 Overall DBE Goal, which was due to the Federal Highway Administration by August 1. MDOT is proposing the adoption of an overall DBE goal of 8.32 percent for FY 2026-2028. The department projects that the recommended overall DBE goal of 8.32 percent for FY 2026-2028 will be met through race-neutral (2.32 percent) and race-conscious (6.00 percent) means. If you have specific comments or questions regarding the new goal or the process, email MDOT-DBEGoal@Michigan.gov.


FY 2026-2028 overall DBE goal

MDOT has developed a race- and gender-neutral Small Business Program (SBP) to ensure that small businesses, including DBE-certified businesses, have opportunities to participate on MDOT projects.

DBE and SBP businesses in the program will be among a limited group of firms eligible to participate in selected federally-assisted contract opportunities set-aside by MDOT.

Learn more about MDOT's Small Business Program
A small business owner speaks with Wayne County Airport Authority at the MDOT Small Business Conference.

DBE information