Connecticut Department of Transportation received nearly $400,000 from its federal counterpart today to help disadvantaged business enterprises compete for federal highway contracts in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The money, which totals $11.6 million nationwide, helps these firms on a wide range of business management practices, including procurement assistance and guidance on securing bonding. The national program has been in place since 1982.
Disadvantaged businesses include for-profit, small businesses owned by minorities, women or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
“Helping DBE firms and their workers enriches the competition for federal highway contracts,” Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said in a statement. “Grants like these will help people find jobs and are an important part of economic recovery.”
