Small Business Certification programs for small and underutilized businesses.

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  • How NCDOT Can Help Your Business

    The N.C. Department of Transportation is committed to ensuring all North Carolina businesses have the opportunity to participate in our projects.  We advocate, administer, implement, and monitor equal employment opportunity programs for recipients of state and federal funds.

    Our certification programs are designed to advance the economy and strengthen communities across the state.

    The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) is a legislatively mandated USDOT program that applies to federal-aid highway dollars expended on federally assisted contracts issued by USDOT recipients such as state transportation agencies.

    Congress established the DBE program in 1982 to:

    • Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts
    • Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts
    • Assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.

DBE

  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise - Interim Final Rule (IFR)

    Prior to Oct. 3, 2025, disadvantaged businesses were owned by women or minorities with a net worth of less than $1.32 million, had a controlling interest in the company and met other requirements.​

    Oct. 3, 2025

    The U.S. Department of Transportation published to the Federal Register the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Interim Final Rule (IFR).​ The rule took effect Oct. 3, 2025.

    The USDOT determined that using race- and gender-based presumptions of disadvantages violates the U.S. Constitution.

    The N.C. Department of Transportation is working with its federal partners on guidance about the rule so we can keep the DBE community and other stakeholders informed of the latest information.
     
    The rule means:

    • All currently certified DBEs must undergo reevaluation. 
    • Business owners must demonstrate evidence of individualized social and economic disadvantage, regardless of race and gender, to qualify as a disadvantaged business enterprise or Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
    • The use of contract DBE goals or counting work performed by DBEs toward overall goals is suspended until each state can complete reevaluations of the DBEs.  
    • Contracts with DBE goals awarded and executed before Oct. 3 are valid, but DBE participation cannot be counted until recertification is complete.




SBE

SPSF

HUB

  • Historically Underutilized Businesses

    HUB certifications are for businesses that are 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by one of the following:

    • Minorities (black, Hispanic, Asian American and Native American)
    • Women
    • Disabled persons
    • Socially or economically disadvantaged persons

    Certify your business as a HUB 

    Primary contractors:  Search for a HUB Vendor

MBE/WBE

  • Minority Business Enterprise / Women Business Enterprise

    Minority business enterprises are defined as a business that is 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a minority (black, Hispanic, Asian American or Native American).

    Women business enterprises are 51 percent owned, operated and controlled by a women.

    Businesses must comply with Title 23 USC 140, FHWA 1273 and Executive Order 11246 in order to be eligible for MBE/WBE certification.

    Learn about the MBE/WBE program ​
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