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DBE eligibility requirements

Who qualifies as a DBE?

Any small business at least 51% owned, operated and fully controlled on a daily basis by a member or members of the following groups qualifies. In the case of publicly held firms, a member or members of the listed groups must own at least 51% of the stock issued.  These groups include:

• African Americans
• Native Americans
• Hispanic
• Asian-Pacific
• Asian-Indian Americans
• Women
• Individuals found to be disadvantaged as defined by the Small Business Act under the 8(a) program

• New certification definitions and eligibility requirements

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and its partners in the Wisconsin Unified Certification Program may determine that individuals who are not members of the above groups may be socially and economically disadvantaged. Each partner makes such determinations on a case-by-case basis.

Questions about the content of this page:
Rosie Smith, rosie.smith@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: December 4, 2007