Disadvantaged Businesses Enterprise (DBE) Program

Interurban Transit Partnership (ITP) DBE Policy Statement

The Interurban Transit Partnership (ITP) is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the conduct of its business, including the procurement of goods and services.  ITP will strive to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts with funds derived from the Department of Transportation, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the local units of government within the jurisdiction of ITP.  The ITP recognizes the responsibilities to the communities within which it operates and the society it serves.  In recognition of these responsibilities, the ITP Board establishes this Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.

In conjunction with the performance of this plan, ITP shall provide for the maximum utilization of disadvantaged business enterprises and shall use its best efforts to ensure that disadvantaged business enterprises shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to compete for contract and subcontract work let by ITP.

The term “disadvantaged business enterprise” means a small business concern; a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; b) whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more or the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it; c) is defined as a small business by the Small Business Administration (SBA); and d) whose gross receipts average less than $23 million for the past three years whose personal net worth is $1.3 million or less. 

DBE Policy Statement (471 KB, PDF)

Learn more about our DBE Program. (144 KB, PDF)

Michigan Unified Certification Program (MUCP)

This program is a federally required program designed to ensure that firms owned and controlled by minorities, women, and other socially and economically disadvantaged persons have the opportunity to grow and become self-sufficient through participation in federally funded ITP contracts. MUCP certification will be recognized by all public transit systems in the State of Michigan.

Becoming certified is free and facilitated by the State of Michigan. Learn more and apply here. 

Are You Looking For Business Development Assistance?

The Small Business Development Council of West Michigan (SBDC) provides free, confidential business advice to help your small business succeed. Learn more here. 

DBE Supplier Directories

• MUCP (Michigan Unified Certification Program) Certified DBE Directory
• City of Grand Rapids Micro-Local Business Directory
• GRABB (Grand Rapids Area Black Business Directory)
• Great Lakes Women's Business Council  (find Woman-Owned Businesses here - Contact Purchasing for login)
• SBA 8(a) Minority-Owned and Woman-Owned Business Directory
• VetBizCentral
• VeteranOwnedBusiness.com (Veteran Business Directory)
• West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Directory
• West Michigan Minority and Woman-Owned 2013 Business Directory 
• West Michigan Chamber Coalition