TDOT’s Civil Rights Division Small Business Development Program is currently accepting applications from TDOT and TNUCP-certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms for the Business Development Program. This program will provide extended business development and supportive services to approximately fifteen (15) DBE firms (three to four per region) looking to develop their self-sufficiency and enhance their competitiveness.

DBEs selected to participate in this specialized program will receive the highest levels of technical assistance possible through expert one-on-one support and development services. Targeted technical assistance is available to help under-utilized DBEs who are ready, willing, and able to compete for, and perform on state highway contracts. Marketing, Financial, Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources and Business Planning are a few of the many types of assistance offered through this program.

Enrolled DBEs will receive a comprehensive assessment to determine the strengths and weaknesses in their company, as well as to evaluate the DBE owner’s business knowledge as it pertains to daily operations and growth of their business. The results will then be compiled into a Plan of Action which will outline steps to help DBE owners grow their business throughout the contract period. All DBEs enrolled in the program will be required to set aside pre-designated times to engage in specialized one-on-one technical assistance services. These services will be reviewed periodically to determine DBE performance in reaching set goals.