Creating Opportunity For Your Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

The competition out there in the world of small businesses is fierce enough without any extra hindrances. If you own what is considered to be a Disadvantage Business Enterprise (or DBE for short), you have even more obstacles in the way of your company's success.

That's why we're about to delve into how your DBE can still have promising opportunities and be competitive in today's market. Check it out, and maybe get that leg up that your business needs.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Defined
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a for-profit small business where economically and socially disadvantaged individuals own at least 51% interest in the company, and are in control of everyday operations and management.


DBE programs help to level the playing field

Women, African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Pacific, and Subcontinent Asian Americans are presumed to be economically and socially disadvantaged, and thus fall under this classification. There are also provisions for disabled individuals and veterans as well. Other people can qualify for the DBE definition, but it's determined on a case by case basis.

A Disadvantaged Business is acknowledged as having a greater than usual amount of difficulties, thereby preventing such businesses from being competitive in big markets. For instance, according to the article "Expert Interview with Wally Zimolong Of Zimolong LLC On Surety Bonds For DBEs", DBEs have difficulty in getting bonded, which is something that's required for the lucrative contracting jobs. They have the talent, they have the means and the tools; they simply don't have the capital to get themselves into a bonded situation.

What Can Be Done To Create More Opportunities?
In terms of the surety bond issue, the above-mentioned article suggests that the SBE maintain a good balance sheet, credit rating, and work record, as well as form relationships with surety bond professionals who may be able to help the SBE through the bonding process. So, in other words, be fiscally responsible and hard-working, and schmooze a bit.

Fortunately, there's more that can be done than just that, and it means turning to the Federal Government.

It All Comes Down To The Government
The definition and parameters of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise come from the Federal Government in the first place, and at the end of the day, they are the best way to gain more opportunities is to take full advantage of the programs offered above. This also means making sure that the business is in compliance with all of the qualifications.

The Department of Transportation has the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program in place, which helps level the playing field a bit by providing equal opportunities and improving the overall flexibility of the entire DBE program.

The Federal Aviation Administration and Environmental Protection Agency also have such benefits, with the latter providing help to DBE's in the form of outreach, training, and technical and programmatic assistance.

Non-Government Ideas
There are private sector companies out there that go out of their way to use DBE's; it's just a matter of finding them. Check out Indeed.com for a list of DBE jobs, for instance. There are also a lot of good resources to be found at dbegoodfaith.com. Lastly, just a simple Google search using the term "disadvantaged business enterprise opportunities" will yield some individual companies who favor DBE's.

Everyone Deserve A Fair Shot
The American Dream says that anyone who works hard and perseveres can become a success. Unfortunately, sometimes some folks are starting with disadvantages that can be insurmountable unless they can get a small boost. The various DBE programs are a way to give businesses the opportunity to compete and show what they got, a chance they would otherwise not have.