The SBA's 8(a)  Program, named for a section of the Small Business Act, is a business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market.

 The Texas Department of transportation sponsors a DBE  (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Program. 

 The Texas Department of transportation and the Texas Building and Procurement Commission sponsor the Historically Underutilized Business program.

 The Rio Grande Minority Purchasing Council certifies Minority owned business entities.