Disadvantaged Business Enterprise seminar promotes access to business opportunities

An April seminar held at the St. Landry Economic Development office in Opelousas provided disadvantaged business enterprises, or DBEs, the information they need to access unique growth opportunities fulfilling public contracts. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, or DBEs, are small businesses with at least 51% ownership by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Established by the U.S. Department of Transportation in 1983, the DBE program was designed to level the playing field and ensure small business owners in groups designated as disadvantaged by DOT can compete for DOT-funded contracts at the state and local level. 

These groups include women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian-Pacific Americans, and other minority groups identified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The program also allows businesses not in one of the listed groups to establish economic and social disadvantages. 

Supporting St. Landry businesses

The event presented by Opelousas Downtown Development District and Maven Consulting featured discussion topics empowering small businesses, including getting DBE certified, starting and growing your business, and obtaining state, federal, and local contracts. With these critical insights, DBEs can take the next steps toward certification and compete for state, federal, and local contracts featuring DOT dollars in their funding mix. Using the growth strategies discussed, DBEs can focus on scaling operations and maintaining compliance to stay competitive when contract opportunities arise. Organizers also provided tips for successfully bidding on contracts and gaining a competitive edge when submitting.

Through participation in the DBE program, small businesses can access more contracting opportunities, build capacity, and grow sustainably. At the state and local level, many highway, infrastructure, and transportation projects feature a combination of funding sources, including federal DOT funds, so there are many opportunities to access projects with DBE requirements. Most large projects require a set percentage of the project’s budget to be specifically allocated to DBE businesses, creating a unique opportunity for those who pursue certification. 
The DBE program not only supports frequently underrepresented entrepreneurs but also creates a more diverse and resilient business community in St. Landry Parish. Strengthening DBE businesses builds the local economy, creates jobs, and reflects a commitment to fairness and opportunity in the region. Trickle-down effects also exist as the DBE can support other minority-owned businesses within the fulfillment process or through other business endeavors. 

What type of business benefits from DBE status?

Organizers of the April event advised small business owners in construction, trucking, professional services, catering, or consulting can explore certification and position their businesses for long-term success and financial growth. While DBE certification originates from DOT, a variety of business types can benefit from DBE certification due to the scope of contracts DOT supports. Within each contract, a variety of services are required with many stretching beyond construction. 

To review additional information about starting or growing a small business in St. Landry, visit the St. Landry Economic Development website or contact us today.