About SBFP
The MTA seeks to facilitate and encourage the participation of small businesses, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) by providing a supportive framework for eligible firms to develop and grow within the construction industry and to establish stable, long-term business relationships with the MTA.
For federally-funded projects, the four-year Small Business Federal Program includes:
- Pre-qualification
- Business plan development
- Access to working capital up to $900,000
- Bond assistance program
- Experience working on MTA construction projects up to $3 million
- Fast-track payments (10 business days)
How to qualify for SBFP
In order to participate in MTA's SBFP, a firm must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be pre-qualified to do business with the MTA.
- Provide at least two references for commercial work—valued at no less than $500,000 in every trade for which it wishes to be qualified.
- Owner must not have a net worth (excluding primary residence) exceeding $2.047 million.
- Have annual earnings not greater than $5 million per year averaged over the last 3 years.
- Capable of being bonded: minimum $2 million single, minimum $4 million aggregate.
Program update
Launching June 2025
The Small Business Development Program (SBDP) is being enhanced to provide a streamlined process and greater support for small businesses interested in working with the MTA.
The updated programs will continue to focus on creating meaningful opportunities for small, local firms by providing access to MTA contracts, technical assistance, and capacity-building support. These improvements are designed to help small businesses grow, strengthen their operations, and successfully compete in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing more details soon!
If you are interested in the SBMP, please email sbdp@mtahq.org with the following information:
- Business name
- Contact name
- Email address
- Phone number
How firms get work
Once you have received your pre-qualification approval letter, you are eligible for participation in the program. Opportunities for bidding on MTA work will be dependent upon the contractor’s available bonding capacity at the time of bidding and the availability of work in the trades for which you qualify.
Contact information
For more information about joining the program
Please call Kina Thomas at 646-252-1320, or email sbmpscopeb@mtahq.org.
For questions about FP application process or questions about the application
Please call prequalification unit at 646-252-1667, or email sbdp@mtahq.org.
For more information about the loan program
Please call 212-878-7178, or email sbmpscopeb@mtahq.org.
For more information about the bonding program
Please email sbmpscopeb@mtahq.org.
For construction management questions
Please call John Hanna at 646-252-2360 or email john.hanna@mtahq.org.