Strong women.
Strong infrastructure.
Stronger communities.
About Women First
Women First is a leading advocate for the protection and expansion of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
We have been championing women-owned small businesses in the construction industry since 1987.
Our members are partners to their cities and states – they are economic drivers and job creators that make communities better.
We empower women entrepreneurs across all 50 states.
We advocate for federal support to help remedy past and present discrimination.
Help Save the DBE Program
Protecting the DBE program means protecting small, independent American businesses — and the local economies they keep alive. But without Congressional reauthorization in the 2026 Highway Bill, the continuation of this vital program will be at serious risk, along with jobs for half a million workers.
News
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Transportation Department’s Changes to Federal Diversity Program Risks Hurting Chicago’s Small Businesses
Some diversity and construction industry advocates say a recent change by the U.S. Department of Transportation to a federal program could hurt smaller companies owned by minorities and women —…
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DOT Disadvantaged Business Program Case Ends After Rule Change
The change, which eliminated the race-and sex-based presumptions under the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, provided the relief plaintiffs sought, Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove of the US District Court for…
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Minority Contractors Say Trump DEI Rollback Poses Threat to Their Livelihoods
Five months after a federal court ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s overhaul of a U.S. Department of Transportation program, minority-owned businesses say they are being shut out of…