Protect the Future of DBE Businesses: Share Your Story Before April 30!

What is a DBE?
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a small business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) established the DBE program to help level the playing field in industries like construction, engineering, and transportation — sectors where minority- and women-owned businesses have often faced systemic disadvantages.

Why It Matters:
The DBE Program has helped over 50,000 businesses nationwide grow, hire employees, and contribute to their communities. However, the future of the program is at risk. Without action, it could be eliminated in the next year.

The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is currently collecting feedback on whether the DBE Program should be reauthorized in the upcoming 2026 Transportation and Infrastructure Bill.
Your voice is critical. The portal to submit your comments is only open until April 30, 2025!

How to Make Your Voice Heard:

Please take a few minutes to submit your story. Here’s how:

👉 Submit your feedback here

Follow these steps:

  1. Fill out your business information.

  2. Select Proposal #1.

  3. Title your submission:
    ➤ Reauthorization of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

  4. Tell your story — include:

    • What type of business you run, how many employees you have, and how long you’ve been operating.

    • Whether your business is urban, rural, or other.

    • How the loss of the DBE program would impact your business.

    • How the Mid-America vs. USDOT injunction has already affected you (if applicable).

    • How the DBE Program has supported you, your family, and your community.

You can also mention key points such as:

  • DBE participation strengthens competition and lowers taxpayer costs.

  • DBEs collectively employ over 500,000 people nationwide.

  • The program fosters economic development for disadvantaged small businesses.

  • It promotes good faith efforts to level the playing field.

  1. Select the Relevant Modal Administration:
    ➤ Federal Highway Administration

  2. Upload your letter (save your story in a Word document).

  3. Submit!

Why Your Participation Matters:

If DBEs do not respond to this call for input, it becomes harder to make the case for continuing the program. Lawmakers need to hear directly from business owners about how vital DBE support is to economic growth, competition, and equity.

Let’s work together to protect opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in every community.

Deadline to submit: April 30, 2025

Learn more about DBEs of America:
🌐 DBEs of America Website