Small Business Enterprise Certification (SBE)

Unlock Opportunities Through Certification

The City of Fort Worth is committed to helping local small businesses grow by setting Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goals on City projects, including a 5% bid preference on contracts up to $100,000 and a 30% utilization target for contracts over $100,000. These goals create real opportunities for small businesses to participate in City projects, both large and small. Becoming certified as an SBE gives your business greater visibility, access to bid opportunities, and connections to resources, training, mentorship, and matchmaking support that make growth easier.

About the SBE Certification

The SBE Certification is the City’s way of recognizing small businesses that are ready to take on City projects. When you're certified, you:

• Become eligible for small‑business goals and preferences in City contracts.
• Can connect with prime contractors and other small firms.
• Get access to support like “Doing Business with the City” workshops and other Small Business Development Program services.

To be eligible for the City’s bid preference or small business utilization goals for City contracts, your business must have a principal place of business in Tarrant, Wise, Johnson, Parker, or Denton County.

How to Become Certified

To become SBE‑certified in Fort Worth, businesses must work through one of the City’s approved certifying entities. These organizations handle certification for small businesses and help ensure you are recognized for city projects. Step-by-step guides for SBE certification can be found on each certifying entity’s website:

• North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA)
• Women’s Business Council–Southwest (WBCS)
• Dallas–Fort Worth Business Council (formerly DFW/MSDC)
• Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) – DBE / ACDBE

For personalized assistance with the certification process, contact one of Fort Worth’s three chambers of commerce:

• Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

VetHUB

Additionally, veteran-owned small businesses are encouraged to become certified through the State's Veteran Heroes United in Business (VETHUB) program, which will allow them to qualify for the City's 5% bid preference on contracts between $3,000 and $100,000. In order to receive the VetHUB certification, small businesses must be primarily based in Texas, meet the Small Business Administration's size standards, and be owned, managed, and operated by owner(s) who meet the qualified requirement for a service-disabled veteran.

Learn more about this program on the State Comptroller's website.

SBE Workshops

Small business owners are invited to participate in quarterly workshops presented in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth and the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA). These workshops focus on helping businesses better understand the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification process and how it can support long-term growth.

Workshops are offered in both English and Spanish.

This initiative aligns with federal grant requirements and builds on existing partnerships and community feedback.