Become a Certified Small Business

MnDOT Office of Civil Rights administers three programs designed to assist women, minority, and/or socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses in contracting opportunities on MnDOT projects.

MnDOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) ensures that women and minority-owned small businesses can participate in contracts financed in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Benefits of DBE certification include: Increased opportunity to work on transportation contracts. Business exposure through the DBE Directory and networking events. Business development and free training. Minnesota-based DBEs can request certification reciprocity from the TGB Program.

MnDOT’s Targeted Group Business Program (TGB) provides Minnesota-based small businesses owned and operated by eligible minorities, women, and disabled individuals with increased access in competing for or participating in state-funded contracting opportunities.

Benefits of TGB certification include: Certified TGB firms may receive a preference of up to 6% of the amount of its bid, not to exceed $120,000, when bidding as a prime contractor. To receive the preference, the small business must be certified before the date and time set for opening the proposal. Starting Aug. 1, 2024, certified TGB firms may receive a preference of up to 12% of the amount of its bid, not to exceed $240,000, when bidding as a prime contractor.

MnDOT’s Veteran-owned Small Business Program provides Minnesota-based veteran-owned small businesses with increased access to state contracting opportunities.

Benefits of Vet certification: Certified Vet firms may receive a preference of up to 6% of the amount of its bid, not to exceed $120,000, when bidding as a prime contractor. To receive the preference, the small business must be certified before the date and time set for opening the proposal. Starting Aug. 1, 2024, certified Vet firms may receive a preference of up to 12% of the amount of its bid, not to exceed $240,000, when bidding as a prime contractor.

The project funding determines which programs applies.

Eligibility

Individual eligibility is determined on a case-by-case during the formal application process. Find program-specific eligibility requirements.

Ready to apply?

Small business owners interested in participating in MnDOT’s equity-based programs must obtain formal certification. Certifying entities have partnered to provide a consolidated web application portal to apply for one or multiple equity certification programs. Applications are submitted to the program(s) and certifying entities you choose when starting your application:

Minnesota Small Business Certification Portal

Need help?

Contact our team of specialists with any questions.

APEX Accelerator

Formerly called Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

APEX Accelerator services can assist businesses in the preparation and proper submission of applications, certifications, and registrations necessary for them to do business with federal, state, and local government entities.

Minnesota Unified Certification Program

The Minnesota Unified Certification Program (MNUCP) administers the DBE program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Certifying members include MnDOT, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the Metropolitan Council and the City of Minneapolis. Access the MnUCP website.

The Office of State Procurement

The Office of State Procurement (OSP) operates a program for Minnesota-based Targeted Group, Economically Disadvantaged and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Access the OSP website.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs

To apply for Certification as a Veteran Owned Small Business under the program, the owner must first be verified by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) as a Veteran or as a Veteran with a service-connected disability as determined at any time by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA). Access the MDVA website.

Certification does not guarantee you will get a contract with MnDOT. There are small business supportive services resources available to assist with business preparation, marketing, bidding and performing work as a prime or subcontractor.