USDOT Launches DOT Connect to Capital Initiative, Linking Small Businesses to Private Capital Investors
Business
U.S. DOT Connect to Capital is an online portal that serves as a database of Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SBDs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and capital investors licensed by the SBA Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, which allows investors to connect with small businesses seeking to attract private investments.
The ability to access capital is one identified barrier to building capacity and increasing SBDs/DBEs participation with federally funded contracts. The overall initiative and new platform are designed to be a holistic approach to assisting SDBs/DBEs by increasing their awareness and understanding of capital fundamentals and the various aspects of capital as well as increasing their ability to expand their businesses significantly through private investment. This will in turn better enable SDBs/DBEs to take advantage of the myriad of business opportunities stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
U.S. DOT Connect to Capital allows SDBs/DBEs to securely input their business information, indicate their interest in connecting with potential investors, and provide a single stop clearinghouse for private investors to search for small businesses that match their investment interests. Additionally, as it is part of the Connections MarketPlace (CMP) platform, users can seamlessly access business development symposiums, webinars, panel discussions and meetings.
In addition, U.S. DOT Connect to Capital will include direct interactions with OSDBU’s Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRCs) across the nation. SBTRCs provide business counseling that includes market research, training, certification, and procurement technical assistance. All services are provided free of charge. This supports OSDBU’s strategic goal to promote wealth creation and expand business growth opportunities to all Americans.
Private investors are naturally attracted to small business investment opportunities, which when consummated result in business expansion. U.S. DOT Connect to Capital provides a virtual platform for investors and SDBs/DBEs to be introduced and interact in a way that may lead to investment opportunities.
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE programs are part of the Department's wealth creation priorities. The program requirements are applicable to aviation, highway, and transit assisted contracting and in the airport concessions industry. On April 9, 2024, the Department published its final rule that removes barriers that impede the success of disadvantaged firms in their trade and industry. The amendments improve prompt payment requirements, make it easier and faster for firms to become certified in multiple jurisdictions, and improves data collected and submitted to USDOT to increase our awareness of how the program operates with optimal efficiency and effectiveness. The rule becomes effective May 9, 2024. More information, including compendium materials, such as implementation guidance and summary tables are posted on this site, along with virtual (recorded trainings) occurring over the next several months.