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Small Business Enterprise

City of Tacoma Small Business Enterprise Program

SBE logoThe City of Tacoma's Small Business Enterprise Program (SBE) offers contracting and procurement of goods/services opportunities to qualified small businesses interested in doing work in the City.

 

The goal of the SBE program is to facilitate a substantial procurement, education, and small business assistance program designed to promote equitable participation by historically underutilized businesses in the provision of supplies, services, and public works to the City. 

 

For certified small businesses, SBE helps to level the playing field when it comes to having an opportunity to secure public works and goods/services contracts. For bidders of public works projects, SBE offers pre-approved certified contractors when assistance is needed in meeting specific SBE contract goal requirements.

 

The SBE program maintains a growing data base of over 100 qualified small businesses listed as vendors, suppliers, consultants and contractors.

 

Through our evaluated bid process, a City of Tacoma SBE company has a greater opportunity to receive a direct contract with the City of Tacoma or a sub-contract with a prime contractor.

 

Office for Small Business Enterprise Administration Roles

The Office for Small Business Enterprise administers Title VI compliance, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Women and Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE), and SBE Small Business Assistance Programs. 

 

 

Equity in Contracting

The City of Tacoma seeks to create conditions in City Public Works contracting processes that would achieve proportionate representation among workers hired from economically distressed areas of Tacoma and adjacent areas served by Tacoma Public Utilities on City Public Works Projects, as well as the proportionate utilization of Minority and Women Owned Businesses as contractors and subcontractors in City Projects. Based on the information that the City received from the Disparity Study, changes are being made to the contracting process. Please visit the Equity in Contracting FAQ Page for more information.

 

Mission Statement

Small Business Enterprise Mission Statement 

To create and sustain a competitive and fair business environment for contracting, procurement and consulting opportunities that include small businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged people.

How to Apply

City of Tacoma Small Business Enterprise Certification

Any qualified business can easily get an application online or call the SBE Office request more information. The program requirements, application, affidavit, and instructions can be downloaded 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can email the SBE Office or call Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM at (253) 591-5224. 

 

SBE staff members will be glad to assist you with any questions regarding the SBE program or available resources. During a brief phone interview, you can answer simple yes-or-no questions to find out if your business qualifies for the SBE program.

Training and Business Management Assistance

Ongoing Training and Business Management Assistance is Available 

For certified businesses, SBE helps to level the playing field when it comes to having an opportunity to secure public works and goods and services contracts. For prime public works contractors, SBE offers preapproved certified contractors who can help you meet the SBE goal for your project.

For both the SBE certified subcontractor and the prime contractor, SBE offers assistance in obtaining business management and administrative skills by partnering with experienced programs and individuals who in turn share their knowledge and expertise. Local business training and educational opportunities are available through the Washington Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) as well as through the Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE).

Small Works Roster Program

Small Works Roster 
The City of Tacoma's Small Works Roster Program (SWR) allows pre-registered contractors the opportunity to bid on small public works and improvement projects with a budget of $200,000 or less.  

For smaller qualifying companies, the Small Works Roster may allow for expedited payment and waiver of the bid bond.  This program utilizes categories under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).  Except for the Small Works Roster, the City of Tacoma does not maintain an ongoing vendor or bidders list for any categories of work.  

Small Works Roster bids are sent to approved and pre-registered contractors.
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Contact Us

  

Shakisha Ross

Community and Economic Development

Workforce Program and Investment Specialist

(253) 591-5075

 

Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market Street
Room 900
Tacoma, WA 98402