Small Business Development Branch
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Support Services (DBE/SS)
The primary purpose of the DBE/SS is to provide training, assistance, and services to DBEs certified in the DBE program, and to assist in the certification more DBE's. The goal is to increase their activity in the program and facilitate the firms' development into viable, self-sufficient organizations capable of competing for, and performing on Federally- assisted highway projects.
FHWA DBE Supportive Services Fact Sheet (PDF)
FHWA annually apportions the DBE/SS funds to Caltrans for the purpose of carrying out a DBE/SS program. The FHWA approves the funding of Caltrans programs only if they demonstrate the ability to directly assist certified DBE's development through identifiable, metric-based results.
Interested host sites can contact us at DBE.SS@dot.ca.gov for more information.
The Business Development Program (BDP)
Caltrans’ overarching Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Supportive Services Program Goal is to increase the number of certified DBE Firms active on Caltrans’ FHWA assisted construction and professional services contracts and contribute to their growth and eventual self-sufficiency. The purpose of the BDP is to create a pathway to success for DBE-certified, and Small Business, firms by providing training from elite industry specialists, resources, and networking channels. The program will begin in late winter. The Office of Civil Rights’ Small Business Development Branch will assist, at NO COST, ready, willing, and able DBE firms, and potential DBE, firms with successful bidding, contracting, and Caltrans project management by providing services to:
- Assist with DBE Certification
- Host Training and Networking Workshops
- Deliver Strategic Business Plan
- Network with Financial Assistance Services
- Offer Technical Training
- Channel to Capital Infusion
- Aid with Bid Matching
- Help with Bonding and Insurance
- Allot Financial Software Grants