About this programme
The Minority Surety Bond Guaranty Program helps socially and economically disadvantaged minority construction and building trade businesses win contracts that require a performance and payment bond. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) provides technical assistance throughout the construction bonding process and, where necessary, a bond guaranty for eligible businesses.
The program's goal is to increase minority participation in construction and building trade contracts with federal, state and local government, on projects requiring a performance and payment bond. It also covers certain private projects that carry government funding, and in some cases can provide bid bonds on public projects or publicly funded private jobs.
How it works
MDA's Minority and Small Business Development Division works with the business and, where relevant, its bond producer to arrange the guaranty. A bond guaranty is provided only where the business shows it cannot secure bonding under normal market conditions.
The applicant can be either a prime contractor or a subcontractor, as long as there is an executed contract for the work.
Who can apply
Be in the construction or building trade business.
Be certified as a Minority Business Enterprise through MDA's Minority and Small Business Development Division.
Have been in business at least one year prior to application.
Have its principal place of business located in Mississippi.
Meet experience and financial standards appropriate to the contract.
Agree to subcontract no more than 75 percent of a qualified contract.
Show reasonable evidence of an inability to secure bonding under normal market conditions.
How to apply
- Have the business, or its bond producer, contact MDA's Minority and Small Business Development Division at 601.359.3448 or minority@mississippi.org to begin the process.
Frequently asked
What kind of bonds does this program cover?
Performance and payment bonds on construction projects where the contracting agency is a federal, state or local unit of government, plus certain privately funded projects with government money involved. In some cases it can provide bid bonds on public projects or public-funded private jobs.
Can a subcontractor apply, or only a prime contractor?
Either. The applicant may be a prime contractor or a subcontractor, as long as there is an executed contract for the work to be performed.
Do I need to already be a certified minority business?
Yes. You must be certified as a Minority Business Enterprise through MDA's Minority and Small Business Development Division.
Is there a limit on how much of the contract I can subcontract out?
Yes. You must agree to subcontract no more than 75 percent of a qualified contract.
Does every applicant get a bond guaranty?
Only where the business shows reasonable evidence it cannot secure bonding under normal market conditions.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.