Small Business Enterprise Program
The purpose of the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program is to promote the economic welfare of the people of the City of Cincinnati; to mitigate the effects of discrimination against SBEs; and to promote full and equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with the City of Cincinnati. This SBE program enacts a Narrowly Tailored Remedy program that is race and gender neutral.
HIGHLIGHTS
Small Businesses must have a fixed office in Hamilton County one year prior to application.
Self-Certification Application available to firms contracting no more than $50,000 per contract.
Net worth of each owner not to exceed $750,000.
The City's Nondiscrimination and Good Faith Effort policies are enforced.
Construction over $100,000 includes a mandatory 20% subcontracting goal.
Supporting Subcontracting forms to secure increased SBE participation.
Firms certified by other governmental agencies will be required to be certified under this program regardless of previous certification.
Workshop and seminars for contractor development.
The Small Business Enterprise Program is administered by the Office of Contract Compliance.
The office is located at 805 Central Avenue, Two Centennial Plaza, Suite 700, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
Call (513) 352-3144.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can I call to get information about becoming a certified Small Business Enterprise?
The Contract Compliance staff member responsible for certification is Theresa Stark at 352-3154. She can answer any questions you may have concerning the certification process.
What does the Purchasing Department do and how can they help me?
Staff from the Purchasing Department is always available to answer questions. In addition the Purchasing Department will provide information regarding city contracting opportunities for SBEs. Call the Purchasing Hotline number to hear about bid opportunities: 352-BIDS (2437).
SBE APPLICATION The SBE certification application can be reached on-line. You can download the application, notarize the signature page and mail it to this office. Please include all documents requested per document check list. Our Web-site address is
http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov. Or call 513-352-3144 for online information.
SBE DIRECTORY The Office of Contract Compliance web-page also will include an SBE Directory. This directory will help to identify businesses certified in specific categories.
We will continuously update the directory on the web and hard copy. The directory will be available to bidders.
BID NOTIFICATIONS Besides the regular bid solicitations such as open procurement and city bulletins, notices for bid opportunities will be accessible through local trade associations, technical assistant agencies and ecomomic development groups.
City of Cincinnati
Office of Contract Compliance
Two Centennial Plaza
805 Central Ave Suite-234
Cincinnati, OH 45202
