Grants to help minority businesses compete

Minority- and women-owned businesses in Manatee and Sarasota counties have an opportunity to get an inside look at how to better compete for federal highway contracts.

The Florida Department of Transportation was awarded a $600,000 grant to give these small businesses tips on procurement, securing bonds and business management when competiting for federal highway projects.

The grants were awarded to FDOT from the Federal Highway Administration's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Supportive Services program. To participate businesses must be certified by the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise by demonstrating that at least 51 percent of the business is owned by a minority or a woman.

For more information on the FDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program and the grant funds available through the program visit http://www.dot.state.fl.us/equalopportunityoffice/.