How do I participate in the Emerging Small Business Enterprise (ESBE) Program?
The ESBE program is a race- and gender-neutral program designed to provide select contracting opportunities to small, economically disadvantaged businesses. The program runs concurrently with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program on federally funded projects.
The program uses the same eligibility criteria as its DBE program, with one exception: The owner is not required to be a socially disadvantaged group member. If your firm is certified as a DBE, ESBE certification is automatic. NJDOT provides a directory of certified ESBEs, including DBEs that qualify as ESBEs. ESBE certification must be renewed each year.
