Arlington, VA - As the small business community navigates changes to the federal DBE program, COMTO offered support in a joint webinar Monday, October 27, 2025.

“We are stronger together,” COMTO President and CEO April Rai said.     

Monday’s webinar entitled, “How We are Supporting Small Businesses,” informed business owners on the USDOT’s Interim Final Rule, and offered resources and next steps. The IFR removed race and gender as presumptions for disadvantage from the program. Those presumptions had been in place for over 40 years. The DBE program was designed to give small businesses that historically faced discrimination, an equal playing field to federal contracting opportunities. Effective October 3rd, women and minority-owned businesses must recertify with a narrative and financial statements proving economic disadvantage.

In a coordinated effort to show support and unity, COMTO’s partners from AMAC, LIT, and WTS International joined the call to speak collectively to the 350 registered attendees representing small businesses, state DOTs, and elected leaders around the country.

“Continue demonstrating strong performance and ongoing performance on your existing contracts,” said AMAC President & CEO Eboni Wimbush, “I believe that the government agencies are going to prioritize partners who have proven value beyond the status and beyond the credit.”

“Continuing to have these types of conversations is a way to help our small business community and really encourage them. I think some are just downtrodden right now,” added Dr. Malika Reed Wilkins Executive Director and CEO of WTS International, “It's personal because these are lives we're talking about.”

Small businesses make up 95% of all businesses in America. Experts estimate 75% of their revenue is re-invested in the local economy. The IFR means thousands of small business contracts across highway, transit, and airport projects were put on hold or cancelled during this transition time. Unified Certification Programs (UCPs) around the country are now working to comply and recertify businesses in their states. COMTO & partner associations offered clarity, at a time of uncertainty. 

“I would say stay resilient. You are, by far, capable of doing whatever it is that the new contracts will ask for. So, use this time to strengthen your reputation as a firm,” LIT Executive Director Christina Villarreal told the small business owners. 

“Don’t let emotions drive decisions for your business, you are tough and we are stronger together,” said COMTO President and CEO April Rai, “We encourage you to trust in partners who have been around for decades and are here to advocate on your behalf.”    

COMTO is committed to supporting small businesses through this transition. COMTO collected resources from WTS, AMAC, and LIT and distributed them to attendees. COMTO President & CEO April Rai is engaging in ongoing discussions with congressional leaders as they consider the future of the DBE Program and the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization.