The City of Greensboro’s Office of Business Opportunity has launched its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program, a certification initiative designed to help eligible small businesses access City contracting opportunities, increase visibility, and compete for future contracts.

The SBE Program is open to qualifying businesses in Guilford, Randolph, and Rockingham counties. Once certified, businesses may be included in the City’s Certified Vendor Directory for trade-specific contracting opportunities and to receive direct notifications about bids and outreach events.

The program supports the City’s broader efforts to expand access to opportunity and strengthen the local business ecosystem by creating clearer pathways for small businesses to engage in public contracting.

“Access is often the biggest barrier for small businesses looking to grow,” said Michael Humphrey, manager of the City’s Office of Business Opportunity. “This program is designed to remove that barrier by making opportunities easier to find and pursue.”

“Small businesses are a key driver of Greensboro’s economy,” said Assistant City Manager Larry Davis. “The SBE Program helps ensure more local businesses can participate in City projects, compete for opportunities, and contribute to our continued growth.”

Certified businesses also have access to tools to manage business information, track payments, and maintain contract records in one place. 

To qualify, businesses must be for-profit, independently owned, located in Guilford, Randolph, or Rockingham counties, in operation for at least one year, have 25 or fewer employees, and average less than $3 million in annual revenue over a three-year period.

As part of the program launch, the Office of Business Opportunity will host a Small Business Enterprise kickoff event on Tuesday, May 19, from 9-10:30 am at the Yvonne J. Johnson Event Center at Barber Park.

Learn more or begin the certification process at greensboro-nc.gov/SBE.