In Pennsylvania SEPTA's Small Business Enterprise program is planning to provide businesses greater access to transit-related contracts and procurements. 

Through the program, state-based small businesses will receive outreach, assistance with certification, and tools to bid on construction, maintenance, and service projects related to the transit.

In order to assist businesses in participating in these bid opportunities, SEPTA will be providing training and resources for qualified businesses to allow them to participate in these bid opportunities, i.e., construction, maintenance, and services.

SEPTA'S Small Business program will expand by creating direct contact with small businesses and local organizations to create greater awareness and improved confidence in applying for the programs. Outreach will be expanded in states where infrastructure spending is increasing. For example, in Michigan, the transportation agency has launched new programs designed to help small businesses access public projects.

These efforts create a more equitable opportunity for small businesses at the local or regional level through transit-related work, thereby promoting long-term economic development opportunities for those businesses as a result of working with disadvantaged businesses on actual contract opportunities. This expansion demonstrates a clear intent to assist local entrepreneurs (businesses) in obtaining contracts for transportation infrastructure services.

Nationally and locally, many different types of programs support entrepreneurs and help them create successful small businesses through various grants and loans provided by private sector entities to build their businesses or pursue opportunities for government contracts.

According to officials from SEPTA, strengthening the SBE program will allow more small businesses to participate in future transit infrastructure projects throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.