City of Fort Worth Small Business Development Program

Empowering small businesses through access, opportunity & equity.

The City of Fort Worth is launching a comprehensive Small Business Development Program aimed at expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs, particularly in procurement, certification, and access to capital. This initiative aligns with federal grant requirements and builds on existing partnerships and community feedback through the following key program components:

New Ordinance & Resolution (Effective Sept. 1)

Pivot to Best Value procurement to utilize small businesses
Small Business Preference: 5% bid preference on contracts under $100,000
Small Business Goal: 30% utilization target (to start) for contracts over $100,000
Economic Incentive Goal: Inclusion of small businesses in development projects

Support Services

Procurement education and 'Doing Business with the City' workshops
Prime and subcontractor matchmaking
Certification assistance with regional agencies

Infrastructure & Resources

James E. Guinn Entrepreneurial Campus
Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center

Planned Expansions

RFP for Small Contractor Development Program including surety bond support and construction management training
Strategic 'unbundling' of City contracts

Three Chambers. One Goal. Stronger Small Businesses.

The three Chambers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate, share resources, and amplify opportunities for small businesses across Fort Worth.

Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce

Key Focus Areas

Bonding & insurance workshops to build long-term partnerships
Financial readiness through banking partnerships
Workforce development in partnership with Tarrant Workforce Solutions
Increased HUB and small business certifications

Expanded Deliverables

Deliver bonding and insurance education in collaboration with industry partners.
Host financial literacy workshops to strengthen capital readiness.
Distribute templates for small business financial reporting.
Track and report capital access and bonding capacity trends.
Build a workforce development program with Tarrant Workforce Solutions.
Host fast-track certification workshops and assist businesses with submissions.
Measure and report progress in SBE, HUB, and HUBZone certifications.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Key Focus Areas

Supply chain and logistics training, mentorship, and oversight
Matching small businesses to City contracts via NAICS codes

Expanded Deliverables

Provide training in logistics, procurement, and inventory management.
Educate small businesses on legislative and technological changes in supply chain.
Match small businesses with city contracts under $100K based on NAICS codes.
Identify and track matches for contracts over $100K and expiring multi-year agreements.
Report quarterly on procurement matches and track outcomes in an annual review.

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

Key Focus Areas

Monthly forums, workshops, and quarterly expos connecting small businesses with prime vendors
City contracting promotions using the Chamber’s communication network
Succession planning support for small business owners

Expanded Deliverables

Host monthly forums, seminars, and expos to foster prime-small business partnerships.
Launch mentor-protégé programs to expand expertise among small businesses.
Conduct industry-specific forums in sectors like construction, tech, and logistics.
Use digital and print channels to amplify city contracting opportunities.
Support exit planning through advisory connections with succession experts.
Deliver annual strategic reports measuring outreach, joint ventures, subcontracting, and mentoring outcomes.

Shared Goals

Increase local small business participation in City contracts
Expand access to capital and mentorship
Strengthen community-wide business support infrastructure

City News

Story links as articles are published