Assistance to Small and Disadvantaged Businesses

Objective

The Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRCs) are administered under the Minority Resource Center (MRC) Program codified at 49 U.S.C. § 332(b) (4), (5) & (7). This statute directs the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), through its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), to provide assistance, advocacy, and outreach to small businesses in the transportation industry. The MRC fulfills this mandate through business training, technical assistance, access to capital, and opportunities for participation in transportation-related projects and contracts. Funding to carry out the MRC Program and its related initiatives, including the SBTRCs, is provided through annual appropriations by Congress to the USDOT Office of the Secretary (OST) under the budget heading: “Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), Minority Resource Center (MRC).

Who Can Apply

• Nonprofit Organization

Established 501 C(6) tax-exempt Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations and 501 C(3) nonprofit organization, community colleges, minority educational institutions, tribal colleges and universities that have the documented experience and capacity necessary to successfully operate and administer a coordinated, Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) within their regions.

Who Benefits

• Small Business Person

For the purpose of small businesses—as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Small Business Act—are independently owned and operated firms that meet SBA size standards based on industry classifications. These standards determine eligibility for federal programs and contracting opportunities designed to support and strengthen small business participation in the national economy.

Assistance Types

• Cooperative Agreement

Program Contact

leonardo.sanroman@dot.gov
(202) 366-5334