Initiative enhances the new Connections MarketPlace (CMP) platform with a database of SDBs/DBEs and private investors, information on accessing capital, and meaningful engagement between SDBs/DBEs and private investors
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) has launched U.S. DOT Connect to Capital as a component of a new comprehensive Access to Capital Initiative to help small businesses increase access to private equity capital investors. U.S. DOT Connect to Capital is an online portal that serves as a database of Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SBDs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and capital investors licensed by the SBA Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, which allows investors to connect with small businesses seeking to attract private investments.
The ability to access capital is one identified barrier to building capacity and increasing SBDs/DBEs participation with federally funded contracts. The overall initiative and new platform are designed to be a holistic approach to assisting SDBs/DBEs by increasing their awareness and understanding of capital fundamentals and the various aspects of capital as well as increasing their ability to expand their businesses significantly through private investment. This will in turn better enable SDBs/DBEs to take advantage of the myriad of business opportunities stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
U.S. DOT Connect to Capital allows SDBs/DBEs to securely input their business information, indicate their interest in connecting with potential investors, and provide a single stop clearinghouse for private investors to search for small businesses that match their investment interests. Additionally, as it is part of the Connections MarketPlace (CMP) platform, users can seamlessly access business development symposiums, webinars, panel discussions and meetings.
“U.S. DOT Connect to Capital provides users with a comprehensive platform to help small and disadvantaged businesses grow through private equity,” said OSDBU’s Acting Director Tyra Redus. “It is a mutually beneficial resource for small businesses and for investors because of its national scope which decreases barriers to information on both sides and facilitates direct interaction. U.S. DOT Connect to Capital augments the Connections MarketPlace by making it possible for small businesses to have real-time interaction with each other and with private investors.”
In addition, U.S. DOT Connect to Capital will include direct interactions with OSDBU’s Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRCs) across the nation. SBTRCs provide business counseling that includes market research, training, certification, and procurement technical assistance. All services are provided free of charge. This supports OSDBU’s strategic goal to promote wealth creation and expand business growth opportunities to all Americans.
Private investors are naturally attracted to small business investment opportunities, which when consummated result in business expansion. U.S. DOT Connect to Capital provides a virtual platform for investors and SDBs/DBEs to be introduced and interact in a way that may lead to investment opportunities.
“We’re excited about the launch of the U.S. DOT Connect to Capital virtual platform. As an active investor in several Transportation industry companies, we look forward to participating and finding new opportunities to provide capital solutions to disadvantaged businesses,” said Sengal Selassi, CEO and Founder of Brightwood Capital Advisors, LLC. “U.S. DOT Connect to Capital will allow users to do that in real time.”