The City of St. Petersburg spends over $100 million annually. We invite you to become certified as a Small Business Enterprise.

A Race and Gender Neutral Program 
The city of St. Petersburg is committed to assisting Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), in accordance with the Municipal Code as defined by Section 2-239 to 2-246 of Division 4, Article 5, Chapter 2.

ELIGIBILITY/ CRITERIA OF THE SBE PROGRAM

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) - A business which is independently owned, operated and controlled and which is not dominant in its field of operation; and which meets the following criteria:

The business must:

1. Serve a commercially useful function
2. Have been in operation for at least one year
3. Have 25 employees or less
4. Have an annual sales volume (averaged over the  previous three years) of:
• a. Goods/Services/Supplies: $3 million or less
• b. Construction: $5 million or less
5. Have a physical business address located within the limits of Pinellas, Hillsborough,Pasco, Manatee or Polk counties. (A post office box is not acceptable as a business address.)
6. Be certified by the city's Business Assistance Division.

 BENEFITS OF THE SBE PROGRAM

1. SBE Goals on project-by-project basis. 
2. Sheltered Market (construction set asides and on goods and services)
3. Discounts for goods and services(1-15% for bids and quotes)
   4. Possible waiver of bonds
4. Payment assistance / joint checks
5. Progress payments / timely payments by the city
6. Solicitation of certified SBEs for all contracts  
7. Technical and financial assistance
8. Workshops, seminars & training programs
9. Plans and specifications at a reduced rate
10. Advocating for reciprocal certification

SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES

1. Complete a city of St. Petersburg application 
2. Sign and duly notarize an SBE disclosure affidavit 
3. Supply the supporting documentation from the listing 
4. Register your company with the Purchasing Department at https://athena.stpete.org/pls/PROD/xxsppo_vendor
5. If your business is in the field of construction, complete Subcontractor/Vendor Scope of Work form
6. Provide other documents necessary to determine eligibility

SBE Certification Checklist

We look forward to establishing and initiating a fruitful business relationship with your firm.  If you have any questions or are in need of assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Business Assistance Center at 727-893-7146 or contact one of our specialists directly.

New Statutory Requirements for Social Security - F.S. 119.071(5) Pursuant to Florida Statute 119.071(5), the City of St. Petersburg is required to inform you that we are collecting your Social Security or Federal Identification Number for business identification, business verification, and business sales volume purposes only. The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification application that contains your Social Security information is kept in a secured area.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) vendors are only certified as meeting the established criteria of the existing SBE program and not certified as qualified in any other area. The City of St. Petersburg is not recommending and does not endorse SBE vendors. The City is not responsible for and disclaims any representation made by any SBE vendor.  You must do the appropriate due diligence before selecting an SBE vendor.

SBE Contacts

• Economic Development Coordinator
   Claude Williams -  727-551-3408

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

"Al and I were recommended to meet with the BAC for counseling, and to our surprise, we found that the BAC has a wealth of information, and I encourage any small business owner to take advantage of this valuable resource. Sort of like a "diamond in the ruff." We look forward to continuing our relationship with you."

Mr. and Mrs. Alphonso and Courtney Gwyn
A&G Environmental Services
Certified Small Business Enterprise

UPCOMING CLASSES FOR SBEs

(Please view our training calendar for a full listing of classes and training programs).

Vendor Registration & Current Bid Solicitations

To register as a vendor for the City of St Petersburg or view current bid solicitations, please see the City of St Petersburg purchasing site at http://www.stpete.org/purchasing

 Please visit EDC project link for upcoming construction projects and opportunities for SBEs.