A disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) is a small business that is owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The term “disadvantaged individuals” refers to those who have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender discrimination and who have been unable to fully participate in the mainstream economy as a result. In the United States, the DBE program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and is designed to help ensure that small businesses owned by disadvantaged individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in federally funded transportation projects.

Minority business enterprises (MBEs) are businesses that are owned and controlled by members of racial or ethnic minority groups. In the United States, the term “minority group” refers to racial and ethnic groups that are considered to be underrepresented in the economy. The MBE program is designed to help ensure that minority-owned businesses have an equal opportunity to participate in federally funded projects.

The DBE and MBE programs are similar in that they both aim to promote diversity in the economy and provide opportunities for small businesses owned by disadvantaged or minority individuals. However, the DBE program is focused specifically on businesses owned by disadvantaged individuals, while the MBE program is focused on businesses owned by members of racial or ethnic minority groups.