What are the benefits to a business in being certified as M/W/DBE?
The benefits vary according to the certification status: Sound Transit, other transit districts, cities, counties, port authorities and state agencies that receive U. S. Department of Transportation funding must have a DBE Plan that includes an annual overall numeric goal as to the level of business it expects to do with DBE firms on their federally assisted highway, transit, aviation and transportation projects. State agencies have annual procurement /contracting goals to do business with MBE and WBE firms. Linked Deposit Program — Two percent interest rate reduction on loans and other financing is available to MBE and WBE firms that qualify for commercial financing with a participating Washington bank. DBE Support Services Program – Business development training and technical/financial/bonding assistance is available at no cost to DBE firms engaged in highway-related activities (OMWBE administers this program.). Bonding and financial assistance is also available through USDOT TEAM-W
