GET CERTIFIED

U.S. federal, state, and city / county government agencies and departments offer a wide variety of opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to compete for public works contracts.

Below subcontractors and suppliers can find a list of procurement and other agencies where you can register with government certified business programs.

We regularly update this listing. If you are aware of any government-certification programs not listed here, please let us know at: info@compliancenews.com

Federal-Certification Programs

  • 8(a) Firm / "Section 8"/ Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
  • The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. These are also known as SDBs (Small Disadvantaged Businesses).The federal government's goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses each year. Go here to the Small Business Administration (SBA) page to get certified.

  • HUBZone Firm
  • The HUBZone program fuels small business growth in historically underutilized business zones with a goal of awarding at least three percent of federal contract dollars to HUBZone-certified companies each year. To register as a HUBZone firm visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) page here.

  • Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)
  • A Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) is a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more women who are citizens (born or naturalized) of the United States. The federal government's goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. To learn more about the certification process visit this page on the Small Business Administration (SBA) website.

  • Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)
  • An Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) is a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more women who are citizens (born or naturalized) of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged. The EDWOSB automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible for the WOSB Program.

  • Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
  • The federal government's goal is to award at least three percent of all federal contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small (SDVOSB) businesses each year. Joining the disabled veterans’ business program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for. If you are a veteran visit this page on the Small Business Administration (SBA) website to find out how to get certified. Visit this page on Small Business Administration (SBA) to find out more about getting certified.

  • All Small Mentor-Protégé program
  • Under the program, prospective protege businesses can seek various forms of assistance with management, finances, contracting, business development, and other competencies. The eligibility requirements include a Mentor-Protege Agreement which clearly defines the goal of the mentor-protege relationship, the plan for achieving it, metrics for success, and a timeline for the relationship.

  • Section 3 Business
  • The Section 3 Business Registry is a listing of firms that have self-certified that they meet one of the regulatory definitions of a Section 3 business and are included in a searchable online database that can be used by agencies that receive U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds, developers, contractors, and others to facilitate the award of certain HUD-funded contracts. To learn more on how to self-certify visit this page.

  • Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE)
  • Referred to as a Tribally Designated Entity, or TDHE, the organization may be a department within the tribe, tribal housing authority with separate board of commissioners, or a nonprofit organization. The entity designated by the tribe to receive HUD funds must comply with the rules and requirements of the program. Find out more information here on how to register at this U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) page.

  • Building Trade Labor Union Certified Firm
  • The “Building Trade Labor Union Certified Firm” is listed in the HUD search directory and more information on this category can be found on the NABTU website (North America’s Building Trades Unions).

  • Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB)
  • The VOSB certification is available for small businesses that are majority owned and managed by a veteran who is directly involved in the day-to-day operations. With this certification, veterans gain a competitive edge for winning government contracts and attracting customers. To begin the process register with the Vet Biz registry at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

State and City / County-Certification Programs

  • Arizona State Procurement Office
  • Get information on rules, regulations and how to do business with the state.

  • ProcureAZ eProcurement System
  • Register to find information on current solicitations and open contracts.

  • Arizona Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses.

  • City of Phoenix SBE
  • The city provides certification services for small businesses interested in participating in the SBE Program as a means of expanding and growing their firms.

  • City of Tucson SBE
  • The SBE Program is a certification program that offers incentives to small businesses in the Tucson Metropolitan Area interested in doing business with the City of Tucson on contracts administered by the City's Business Services Department, which may include, bid preferences and subcontracting goals for construction, professional services goods and services.

  • California Division of Procurement
  • Find information for businesses that want to sell products or services to the state government.

  • California State Contracts Register
  • Search through one-stop site for information on contracting opportunities.

  • Small Business and DVBE Services
  • Get information on certification for California Small Businesses, Micro businesses, and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises.

  • California Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction

  • California Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program
  • 51% owned by minority group members. Minority group members are United States citizens who are Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American.

  • California Women Business Enterprise (WBE) program
  • 51% of business owned and controlled by one or more women who are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents

  • California Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Enterprise (LGBTE)
  • 51% owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

  • California Women, Minority and LGBT Owned Business Enterprise (WMLGBTBE)
  • 51% woman, minority or LGBT owned business whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more of those individuals

  • Alameda County SLEB
  • The Small, Local and Emerging Business (SLEB) program is designed to enhance contracting and procurement opportunities for small, local and emerging businesses within Alameda County by providing up to 10% bid preferences on eligible contracts. The program was developed to promote and foster inclusiveness, diversity and economic development, as well as provide on-going evaluation to ensure that all local businesses are provided equal opportunities in County contracting and procurement activities.

  • Contra Costa County LBE
  • Principal place of business is located within the boundaries of Contra Costa County.

  • City of Long Beach LSBE
  • The City of Long Beach adopted a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE), and Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) Ordinance in June 2011 to encourage more small businesses to participate in City contracts. Small Business certification can be obtained through our bidder’s database registration.

  • City of Los Angeles Office of Contract Compliance (OCC).
  • This office is responsible for administering the City's certification program. It certifies qualified firms for DBE, ACDBE, MBE, WBE and SLBE status for the City of Los Angeles.

  • City of Oakland local business certification
  • Apply for the Local Business Enterprise (LBE) or Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) or Very Small Local Business Enterprise (VSLBE) or Locally Produced Goods (LPG) certification.

  • City of San Diego online vendor registration
  • To complete an online New or Renewal SLBE/ELBE Certification Application, you must be registered in the City of San Diego's online vendor registration system, PlanetBids.

  • City of San Francisco Local Business certification
  • This City’s certification unit is in charge of certifying firms that meet the requirements of the City’s 14B Ordinance, which allows for Local Business Enterprises (“LBEs”), PUC Local Business Enterprises (“PUC-LBEs”), and Non-Profit Entities (“NPEs”)

  • Florida Purchasing Division
  • Find rules, forms and vendor resources for doing business with the state.

  • Vendor Registration
  • Register to get information on upcoming bids, post information on product and services and receive purchase orders electronically.

  • Florida Office of Supplier Diversity
  • Find certification information for minority, women, and service-disabled veteran business enterprises

  • Florida Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • Boward County SBE
  • The Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) provides certification services to local small businesses in order to bid on Broward County procurement contracts with Small Business Enterprise (SBE).

  • Boward County CBE
  • The Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) provides certification services to local small businesses in order to bid on Broward County procurement contracts with County Business Enterprise (CBE)./p>

  • City of Tampa SLBE and WMBE
  • Register as a Certified Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE). Become certified with the City of Tampa to seek contracting opportunities with the City.

  • Hillsborough County DM/DWBE
  • The Disadvantaged Minority/Disadvantaged Women Business Enterprise (DM/DWBE) programs provide an opportunity for disadvantaged minority/disadvantaged women to participate in the County's procurement program which includes construction, contractual services, professional consulting services, and commodities.

  • Hillsborough County SBE
  • The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program provides an opportunity for small businesses to participate in the County's procurement program which includes construction, contractual services, professional consulting services, and commodities.

  • Miami-Dade County ACDBE
  • BMWS is a new web-based software system that firms will be required to utilize to apply for or renew their Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification.

  • Miami-Dade County DBE
  • BMWS is a new web-based software system that firms will be required to utilize to apply for or renew their Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).

  • Miami-Dade County LDB
  • The Local Developing Business (LDB) program is a gender and race neutral program for small businesses that have non-exclusive permits to provide general aeronautical services to commercial airlines and aircraft operators at Miami International Airport.

  • Miami-Dade County SBE-A&E
  • The Small Business Enterprise -- Architectural & Engineering (SBE-A&E) program is a gender and race neutral program for Architectural & Engineering contracts. It is designed to provide contracting opportunities for firms that meet the following criteria:

  • Miami-Dade County SBE-Con
  • This program is a gender and race neutral program specifically for firms that are defined as independent construction companies.

  • Miami-Dade County SBE-G&S
  • This program is a gender and race neutral program for Goods or Services contracts.

  • Idaho Dept of Administration
  • Get information on bids, contracts, registration with the online purchasing system and other information for doing business with the state.

  • Vendor Registration
  • Register to access bid information and get complete details of bid requests for goods and services.

  • Idaho Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • Sell 2 Illinois - Business Registration
  • Register to do business with the state and view contract opportunities.

  • Small Business Set-Aside Program
  • Find information on the state's set-aside program and how to apply to be certified.

  • Illinois Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • Chicago BEPD
  • The City of Chicago is committed to increasing economic opportunities for the disability community through a number of employment-related initiatives. One such initiative is the Business Enterprises Owned by People with Disabilities (BEPD) Program.

  • Chicago Transit Authority’s DBE program
  • The Chicago Transit Authority's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program demonstrates the Authority's continued commitment to the success of minority/and women-owned businesses by promoting contracting opportunities to DBEs within transit.

  • Chicago M/WBE
  • Chicago's Minority and Women-Owned Business (M/WBE) Certification Program demonstrates the City's continued commitment to the success of minority-and women-owned businesses by offering certification opportunities to MBE and WBE firms.

  • Chicago VBE
  • The City of Chicago VBE certification can be awarded to small and local business that are owned and operated by veterans who have been generally or honorably discharged. To take advantage of City of Chicago veteran programs/incentives, veteran-owned businesses must be VBE certified by the City of Chicago.

  • Procurement and Vendor Information
  • Find information on the Bidder’s List, Vendor Registration, Commodity Catalog, Technology Contracts and Guidelines, and online forms.

  • Vendor Registration
  • Register your business to find out about contract opportunities and information.

  • Louisiana Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • City of New Orleans SLDBE
  • In partnership with the Sewerage and Water Board, New Orleans Aviation Board and Harrah’s New Orleans, the City of New Orleans’ Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) administers the State and Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SLDBE) Certification Program.

  • eMaryland Marketplace
  • Find information on vendor registration, contract opportunities and other resources to help you do business with the state.

  • Vendor Registration
  • Register as a vendor to participate in the state's interactive bidding service.

  • Small Business Reserve Program
  • Register to qualify for state government contracts that are reserved for small businesses.

  • Maryland Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • City of Baltimore M/WBE
  • The Minority and Women's Business Opportunity Office (MWBOO) is responsible for the Certification of Minority Business Enterprises and Women's Business Enterprises, maintaining a directory of certified business enterprises, investigating alleged violations of Article 5, Subtitle 28, certifying compliance with Article 5, Subtitle 28 of the City code before contracts are submitted to the Board of Estimates for award, setting MBE and WBE participation goals on contracts, and establishing certain annual goals for MBE and WBE participation.

  • Buy Michigan First
  • Find information on vendor registration, contract opportunities and other resources to help you do business with the state.

  • Michigan Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • Kalamazoo County MBE/WBE
  • It shall be the policy of the County of Kalamazoo that minority/women business enterprises shall have the maximum feasible opportunity to participate in providing goods and services to the County. Listed below is the directory of minority and women-owned businesses. To be added to the County's Directory of Minority & Women Owed Business, please complete and submit the attached application.

  • Procurement Services
  • Find information for vendors on contract opportunities and other resources to help you do business with the state.

  • Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations.

  • New York Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • New York City M/WBE
  • The City of New York Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Program expands opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs to access government contracts and grow their businesses.

  • New York City LBE
  • The Locally-Based Enterprise (LBE) Certification Program works to ensure that firms, regardless of the gender or ethnicity of the owner, doing business in economically deprived areas of the City or employing economically disadvantaged persons, receive no less than 10% of subcontracting opportunities on construction and construction-related contracts directly awarded by the City to contractors.

  • New York City EBE
  • The Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) Certification Program works to ensure that businesses owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged receive preference for contracting opportunities with New York City. The program is designed to promote fairness and equity in city contracting and to level the playing field for these business owners.

  • NC eProcurement at Your Service
  • Find information for vendors on contract opportunities and other resources to help you do business with the state.

  • Vendor Registration
  • Register to receive electronic notices of open solicitations.

  • North Carolina Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • City of Charlotte M/WBE
  • The Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) Program seeks to enhance competition and participation of small, minority and women owned firms in City contracting and to promote economic growth and development in the City of Charlotte.

  • City of Charlotte SBE
  • Qualifying person(s) must own 51% of the business enterprise.

  • State Procurement and Vendor Information
  • Find information for vendors on contract opportunities and other resources to help you do business with the state.

  • Minority and Small Business Certification
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations.

  • Ohio Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for businesses that provide product or services for highway or transportation construction.

  • City of Cincinnati ELBE
  • Must have its principal place of business within the corporate limits of the City of Cincinnati (“Cincinnati”) or 25% of the firm’s total labor force must be domiciled in Cincinnati.

  • City of Cincinnati MSD-SBE
  • The primary objective of the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program administered by MSD (Metropolitan Sewer District) is to promote equal business opportunity for small businesses and ensure non-discrimination in the award and administration of MSD contracts/procurements.

  • City of Cincinnati MBE
  • At least 51% owned by defined minority group member(s) for at least one (1) year prior to applying for certification.

  • City of Cincinnati WBE
  • At least 51% women-owned for one (1) year.

  • City of Columbus MBE/WBE/VBE
  • ODI offers free gender and race-based certification. Becoming a certified M/WBE makes it easier to identify those ready, willing, and able to perform on city contracts.

  • City of Toledo M/WBE
  • The City of Toledo, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, has a strategic Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification process to encourage those businesses owned and controlled by minorities or women to get certified.

  • Procurement and Vendor Information
  • Find information for vendors on contract opportunities and other resources to help you do business with the state.

  • Small Business Enterprise Services
  • Provides information on certification procedures and regulations for Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE).

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