Fort Worth SBE Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 03/16/2026. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

The City of Fort Worth operates a Small Business Development Program (SBDP) through its Economic Development Department. Becoming certified makes a business eligible to be counted towards an overall 30 percent participation target for contracts over $100,000 with the City, as well as the 5 percent bid preference on contracts up to $100,000. In addition, City SBEs also gain connections to various training, mentorship, workshop, and matchmaking opportunities. Certification is not performed by the City itself, but is gained by becoming certified with one of a number of approved certification partners, including the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA), the Women's Business Council–Southwest (WBCS), the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP), and the Dallas–Fort Worth Business Council. Assistance in the certification process may also be sought from the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce..

Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? Certification is performed through designated certification parties that are external to the City.

Does this certification expire? Businesses will need to be re-certified every two years.

Does this program require bidders attempt to make a good-faith effort to meet participation goals? There is an overall 30 percent participation target for contracts over $100,000 with the City, as well as a 5 percent bid preference on contracts up to $100,000.

Get Certified