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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

U.S. DOT DBE Interim Final Rule

Notice: Effective Oct. 3, 2025
Docket Number: DOT-OST-2025-0897

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has updated its rules for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs.

DOT solicits comments from the public to inform its rulemaking process. Comments must be received on or before Nov. 3, 2025. Instructions for submitting comments can be found on the Federal Register.

U.S. DOT DBE Interim Final Rule Guidance

 

Interim Final Rule

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

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