Deadline: 30-Aug-2026
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Region 3 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) funding opportunity supports organisations that can establish and operate a regional technical assistance centre for small businesses in the transportation sector. The programme provides a $278,272 cooperative agreement to deliver transportation-related guidance, resources, and capacity-building support for small businesses.
Overview of the USDOT Region 3 SBTTAC Program
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), through the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), has announced funding to establish and operate the Region 3 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC).
The programme is designed to strengthen support systems for small businesses involved in transportation-related industries by providing access to:
- Technical assistance
- Business development resources
- Transportation sector guidance
- Capacity-building support
- Educational resources
The selected organisation will operate as a regional centre helping small businesses overcome challenges and improve their participation in transportation opportunities.
Purpose of the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center
The main purpose of the Region 3 SBTTAC is to create a dedicated support system for small businesses working in the transportation sector.
The centre will help businesses by providing:
- Transportation-focused technical assistance
- Information and resource support
- Business guidance
- Capacity-building activities
- Assistance in navigating transportation-related opportunities
The programme aims to improve the ability of small businesses to compete, grow, and participate in the transportation economy.
Funding Details
The USDOT cooperative agreement provides:
- Total award amount: $278,272
- Number of awards: One award
- Base project period: 12 months
- Additional options: Two additional option years based on performance
The award ceiling and minimum funding amount are both:
- $278,272
Funding will support the establishment and operation of the regional assistance centre.
Why This Program Matters
Small businesses often face challenges accessing technical knowledge, transportation industry resources, and growth opportunities.
The SBTTAC programme helps address these barriers by:
- Improving access to transportation expertise
- Strengthening small business capabilities
- Supporting disadvantaged and emerging businesses
- Increasing participation in transportation-related activities
- Building stronger regional business networks
The programme contributes to a more inclusive transportation business ecosystem.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include organisations with the capacity to establish and operate a regional transportation technical assistance centre.
Eligible applicants include:
- Public institutions of higher education
- State-controlled institutions of higher education
- State governments
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organisations with 501(c)(3) status under the IRS (excluding institutions of higher education)
- Nonprofit organisations without 501(c)(3) status under the IRS (excluding institutions of higher education)
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to:
- Operate a regional assistance centre
- Deliver transportation-focused technical assistance
- Support small businesses effectively
- Manage cooperative agreement funding
- Provide relevant resources and services
Successful applicants are expected to have the organisational capacity, expertise, and infrastructure required to manage the SBTTAC.
Target Beneficiaries
The programme primarily supports:
- Small businesses in the transportation sector
- Emerging transportation entrepreneurs
- Small business owners seeking technical guidance
- Businesses needing support to access transportation opportunities
Supported Activities
The funded centre may provide activities such as:
- Transportation business assistance
- Technical guidance
- Educational resources
- Capacity-building services
- Information sharing
- Small business support programmes
Activities should directly contribute to strengthening small business participation in transportation industries.
How the Funding Works
Step 1: Establish the Regional Assistance Center
The selected organisation will create and operate the Region 3 SBTTAC.
This includes developing systems for:
- Delivering assistance
- Managing resources
- Supporting small businesses
Step 2: Provide Transportation Technical Assistance
The centre will offer specialised support related to transportation business needs.
Step 3: Build Small Business Capacity
The programme will help businesses improve:
- Knowledge
- Skills
- Access to opportunities
- Operational capabilities
Step 4: Report Performance
The organisation must demonstrate progress and results during the cooperative agreement period.
Additional option years will depend on successful performance.
Important Program Focus Areas
The funded centre should focus on:
- Transportation industry support
- Small business development
- Technical assistance delivery
- Regional business growth
- Improved access to transportation opportunities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without experience in technical assistance delivery
- Failing to demonstrate transportation sector knowledge
- Providing unclear plans for operating the centre
- Not explaining how small businesses will benefit
- Underestimating organisational capacity requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
- Demonstrating previous small business support experience
- Highlighting transportation-related expertise
- Providing a clear service delivery plan
- Explaining regional impact
- Showing strong organisational management capacity
- Describing measurable outcomes for supported businesses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Region 3 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center?
It is a USDOT-supported regional centre designed to provide technical assistance and resources to small businesses working in the transportation sector.
Who provides this funding?
The funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
How much funding is available?
The cooperative agreement provides a total award of $278,272.
How long is the funding period?
The agreement includes a 12-month base period with two additional option years based on performance.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, state governments, and eligible nonprofit organisations capable of operating the technical assistance centre.
What type of support will the centre provide?
The centre will provide transportation-related technical assistance, resources, education, and capacity-building support for small businesses.
How many awards will be made?
The programme will provide one cooperative agreement award.
Conclusion
The USDOT Region 3 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) funding opportunity provides important support for organisations working to strengthen small businesses in the transportation sector. Through technical assistance, education, and resource support, the programme aims to improve business capacity, increase transportation industry participation, and create stronger regional economic opportunities.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.