The Small Business Enterprise program provides opportunities for small and local businesses offering supplies, construction, professional services, and general services to participate in City procurement contracts.
To participate in City procurement projects, businesses must be certified through the Small Business Enterprise program. Certified businesses are included in the City’s Small Business Enterprise directory and may be selected by contractors looking to meet small business participation commitments on development projects.
The program includes two certification types:
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE): Businesses headquartered within the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties
- Local Business Enterprise (LBE): SBE-certified businesses headquartered within the City of Orlando
Apply for Certification
To be eligible for certification, your business must meet the following requirements:
- Be a for-profit business or independently operated business. Non-profit organizations are not eligible.
- Be headquartered within the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Orange, Seminole, Lake, and Osceola counties.
- There is not a required length of time a business must be in operation before becoming certified as an SBE, but you must be able to operate as if a contract was to be awarded today, including up-to-date and complete licenses, work equipment, insurance and other resources necessary to provide a service.
Your business’s three-year annual average gross receipts must not exceed the following:
- Construction: $13.1 million
- Professional services: $7 million
- Supplies: $7 million
- General services: $5.7 million
Based on how long your business has been operating, you may need to provide the following tax information:
- Three years or more in operation: Three years of tax statements
- Three years or less in operation: Tax statements for the year or years the business has been operating
- New business: If your business has been operating for less than one year, tax statements are not required. Indicate “New Business” when prompted during the certification application.
If your business filed a tax extension with the IRS, submit a copy of the filed extension in place of the tax return. You will be required to submit the filed return once it becomes available. If you have not filed taxes or a tax extension, submit a signed statement explaining your business’s tax situation.
To participate in the Small and Local Business Enterprise program, your business must complete the certification process through the City of Orlando’s B2Gnow system.
Before you apply:
- Confirm your business meets the eligibility requirements
- Check if your business is already registered as a City of Orlando procurement vendor
If your business is not registered, you must complete vendor registration before applying for certification.
Complete your application:
- Log in to the SBE vendor system (B2Gnow)
- Complete the certification application and upload all required documentation
- Submit your application for review
Apply in B2Gnow
You can also learn more about the program and application process by attending a free certification workshop.
Workshops are held on the second Monday of each month beginning April 13 at the National Entrepreneur Center, located at 3201 East Colonial Drive.
View Workshops
After submitting your application, you can log in to the B2Gnow portal at any time to check your status.
The City’s SBE Certification Officer will review your application and communicate with you regarding approval or denial. If additional information is needed, staff will contact you through the B2Gnow portal.
If your application is denied, you will receive written notice explaining the basis for denial. You may appeal within ten calendar days to the Small Business Review Committee. If certification is denied, you may not reapply for one calendar year.
Once certified, you may begin bidding on procurement contracts. Certification does not guarantee a contract. Businesses are responsible for marketing themselves and submitting bids.
All certified businesses must report revenue from awarded contracts on a monthly basis. To access contract compliance information and submit your revenue, visit the Report Small or Local Business Enterprise Participation page.
How long does the application process take?
The City of Orlando will make a determination within 14 calendar days after receiving a complete application.
What if I do not have the required documents?
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. If an incomplete application is submitted, you will be notified and given five business days to provide the missing information. The review process will not continue until all requested information and supporting documentation are received.
Can I save my application and finish it later?
Yes. The B2Gnow portal allows you to save your application before submitting it.
What happens after I submit my application?
Your application will be reviewed by the SBE Certification Officer. You can log in to the B2Gnow portal at any time to check your application status.
Is there a fee to become certified?
No. There is no fee to apply.
What are NIGP codes and why are they important?
NIGP Commodity and Service Codes identify the goods and services your business provides. These codes help define your line of business, similar to NAICS codes, and it is important to select the codes that best describe your business.
Why do I have to provide financial information?
Eligibility is based in part on annual gross receipts. This information is typically shown on your federal tax return or in professionally prepared financial statements.
Are my documents confidential?
Yes. Submitted documents are confidential.