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MTA Small Business Mentoring Program - Tier 2

Updated Apr 30, 2025
Changes to the Small Business Development Program are coming in summer 2025.
A railroad bridge over a highway being replaced

About SBMP-Tier 2

Upon successful completion of the Tier 1 mentoring program, a company is eligible to complete the five-year advanced Tier 2 program that provides eligibility to bid on projects valued up to $5 million. The contracts will be awarded directly without a construction manager's participation to prepare the firm to transition to active and independent contract work with the MTA. Firms must obtain a surety bond to participate.

The five-year Small Business Mentoring Program - Tier 2 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 $5 million
  • Fast-track payments (10 business days)

How to qualify for SBMP-Tier 2

In order to participate in MTA's SBMP-Tier 2, a firm must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Must have successfully participated in the MTA’s Small Business Mentoring Program-Tier 1.
  • 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 the firm wishes to be prequalified.
  • Owner must not have a net worth (excluding primary residence) exceeding $3.5 million.
  • Have annual revenue not greater than $10 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 Tier 2 application process or questions about the application

Please call the 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.