The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is intensifying its efforts to expand small business outreach.

It is the continuation of the effort to open more opportunities to small and disadvantaged businesses connected with infrastructure spending at the federal and state levels.

MDOT policymakers have revealed that the program features more direct communication, training materials, and technical help, all meant to assist small businesses in understanding procurement requirements and competing for state-funded projects. The department has presented its Small Business Program as a major instrument for firms to connect with future contracts.

The change in outreach comes after disadvantaged business programs throughout the country have been under scrutiny, as changes in federal policy and legal cases are leading states to reevaluate how they structure equity-focused initiatives. In Michigan, the conversation about the future of such programs has pointed to the necessity of complying with the law. 

The decision coincides with MDOT's promotion of major transportation investments, including $3.1 billion worth of projects in Detroit and Grayling, where the participation of small businesses is anticipated to be significant. Besides, it is consistent with the general trend of government agencies' efforts to make grants and support programs more accessible.

MDOT representatives emphasize that it will be essential to keep up the outreach efforts so that small businesses can stay competitive as infrastructure development activities pick up all over the state.