A SBE Certification Takes Your Business to the Next Level

In today’s competitive business landscape, a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification sets your business apart. Here we’ll unpack what this certification means, how to apply, and what you’ll gain as a certified SBE business.

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality SBE Program team is responsible for determining certification eligibility, maintaining records of certified businesses, ensuring vendors are trained and ready to do business with the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, and establishing professional relationships with the owners of SBEs. Certifying businesses in the community is an important step toward equipping SBEs with the resources they need to navigate and compete in today’s marketplace.

Why Certify?

Certification connects your company to a network of resource partners, educational trainings, and procurement opportunities across the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Government, and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency.

• Online Vendor Directory: Certified SBEs are featured in OEV’s online directory, where City and County departments and other businesses find and access vendor information.
• Procurement Alerts: Receive regular electronic updates on special events, bid announcements, and procurement opportunities across all three local entities.
• SBE Industry Academies: Specialized skills trainings offered with the FAMU Small Business Development Center, the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, and CareerSource to maximize your competitiveness.

Who is eligible?

Your business may be eligible for an SBE certification if:

• The business owner is a resident of the four-county market area of Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties
• The business is headquartered within the same four-county market area
• Has a firm net worth of no more than $5 million
• The business employs fewer than 200 employees