DBE Supportive Services

The Bureau of Small Business Enterprises assists DBE firms and individuals interested in doing business with IDOT in ways that ensure equity, access, and transparency. IDOT, in accordance with federal guidelines, facilitates and implements programs that can help current and future vendors grow with the agency.

Considered a national best practice, our Supportive Services program requires DBE firms to complete an intake interview with IDOT personnel to ensure that our available consultants provide individualized support. This support is provided at no charge to IDOT’s DBE firms, firms seeking IDOT DBE certification, and IL UCP firms who have an IDOT contract. 

For more on the Supportive Services Program, please reference our overview document or email DOT.SupportiveServices@illinois.gov.

Build Your Future with IDOT’s DBE Certification

Our team members stand ready to help diverse individuals start a career in transportation, grow their businesses, achieve success with IDOT, and enrich their communities.

Click any of the links below for more information on available resources.

DBE Success Story: Brewster Companies, Inc. 

“As a DBE, you can trust that IDOT is investing in your future and committed to seeing you succeed. The amount of value we found through the agency’s Supportive Services resources was transformational. We’d encourage other businesses to explore opportunities.” 

Alex Nazetta, Vice President and COO, Brewster Companies, Inc.
Maryville, Ill.

Click here to read more about how IDOT’s DBE Supportive Services helped Brewster realize growth.

DBE Programs

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) from any sector can benefit from IDOT’s support – and obtaining a DBE certification is just the beginning. We are committed to helping our vendors grow and learn through our ongoing programming.

Foundation for Growth Business Development Program: The Business Development Program provides a structured process for DBEs to receive firm-specific guidance to propel their growth in the transportation industry. Each firm receives a full business evaluation and analysis, tailored training that may be eligible for reimbursement, and a host of other opportunities to increase each participant’s competitiveness.  

IDOT accepts 15 total firms annually, and enrollment opens once per year. Please check back in 2022 for updates on the next application cycle.  

Highway Construction Careers Training Program: IDOT administers the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) through community colleges across the Department's nine districts. This program is designed to increase the total number of historically underutilized individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. Participants learn highway construction industry trade and life skills including specialized math, blueprint reading, OSHA certification, utilization of highway construction tools, and more.

Please visit the HCCTP webpage for more information on this program.

Mentor Protégé Program: The Mentor Protégé Program centers on business collaborations between mentor firms and protégé firms (DBE certified socially and economically disadvantaged businesses) to provide developmental assistance that enhances the protégé’s business and technical capabilities to do more complex work.

Please visit our Mentor Protégé webpage for more information.

DBE Resource Centers