SBA Minnesota

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

Women Venture

WomenVenture is a leader in providing the tools and support to help you start and grow your business, find a new job, or develop a new career path.

Today's woman has many career and business opportunities in an ever changing marketplace. With this vast array of options comes the struggle to make the right choice, sort through all the information and understand all the options.

WomenVenture is committed to helping you focus your energy, systematically plan, identify resources, and carry out your goals in a setting that is nurturing and supportive.

WomenVenture serves women - and men - of all economic and ethnic backgrounds. In its three decade history, more than 90,000 women and men have been served.

MEDA

Through accomplished and experienced professionals, MEDA offers one-on-one business consulting, training, leadership development, government contracting assistance, access to financing, networking with peers, assistance with minority certifications, strategic planning, and more.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

DBE Program
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) ensures that small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals have equal opportunity to participate on contracts and project work administered by Mn/DOT through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 26) require that Mn/DOT, as a recipient of federal funds, administer a DBE Program. The DBE Program certifies small businesses that are owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, which may include, but are not limited to women and racial/ethnic minorities.

The DBE Program establishes DBE goals for federally funded construction and nonconstruction Mn/DOT projects. All projects receiving federal funds administered through Mn/DOT are subject to the rules of the Federal regulations and DBE Program guideline parameters.

A team of DBE Specialists manages the DBE Program. The DBE Specialists set an annual DBE goal for Mn/DOT, set DBE goals on projects, participate in the Minnesota Unified Certification Program, clear contractor Good Faith Efforts on individual contracts, monitor DBE performance on projects, administer the Business Development and Support Services Programs, and administer the Mentor-Protege Program and Joint Venture Agreements.