Certification programs at the federal, state and local level help small disadvantaged firms to compete for more opportunities for contract dollars. It is important to identify which entities you want to do business with and then identify which certification programs they recognize.
Usually you are not required to be certified to be eligible to bid on contracts, alothough there are a few contracts that are available only for certified firms. If your business is identified as a certified (woman-owned, minority or otherwise) disadvantaged business, you can gain a competitive edge over your competitors.
Federal contracting.
If you want to do business with the federal government or its large prime contractors, research becoming certified as an 8(a) contractor or a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB).
Find information about these programs, which are administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. If your business is located in a distressed area, you might qualify for
HUBZone certification.
Selling to the State of Texas.
If you want to sell to State of Texas agencies, apply for certification as a HUB, or Historically Underutilized Business, vendor. The HUB program is administered by the Texas Building and Procurement Commission. Information and application forms can be found from the
Texas Building and Procurement Commission.
Local governments.
Local entities such as the City of Houston and METRO also have certification programs. The certification requirements will vary. METRO’s certification being based solely on business size, not on the owner’s race or gender.
Information about the city of Houston's Program
Information about METRO's program
Private Sector entities.
To sell to large corporations such as Reliant Energy or Continental Airlines, investigate the certifications available through the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance and/or the Houston Minority Business Council Certification. These organizations can help with not only certification and contract opportunities but also with networking opportunities and training for improving your business management skills.
The Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance
The Houston Minority Business Council
An additional resource for procument is The University of Houston Procurement Technical Assistance Center. It offers free workshops on the benefits and eligibility factors of several of these certification programs. Access their
Training Calendar for dates, times and details.