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METRO’s Online SBE Certification Workshop
March 21 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am CDT
METRO’s Online SBE Certification Workshop
Hosted by: METRO’s Office of Small Business
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Attendees of METRO’s Online SBE Certification Workshop will learn the following:
- The Importance of Certification!
- METRO’s Certification Requirements
- How To Apply For METRO’s Certification
- Agencies that Accept METRO’s Certifications
- How To Access METRO’s Certification Portal
Thank you in advance for registering for METRO’s SBE Certification Workshop Webinar.
METRO Contact
Shurronda Murray
METRO Small Business University
713-739-4845
small.business@ridemetro.org
METRO’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program
METRO’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program operates in a race and gender-neutral manner and is open to participation without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, or disability.
METRO has an aspirational annual goal of 35% small business participation. METRO encourages all small business owners to apply for METRO SBE certification and participate in METRO procurement opportunities.
Benefits of becoming a METRO-certified SBE:
- Increased opportunities for visibility for METRO contracting
- Certification is available at no cost and valid for three (3) years
- Quick processing of certifications in 30 days
- Free business development training
- Certification accepted by Port Houston, Houston Community College, Fort Bend ISD, and Houston First
- Five-day Prompt Payment Policy in effect for contracts with small business goals
- SBE reciprocity for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified firms
- Eligibility to participate in METRO training, events, and networking opportunities
- Fast track certification with Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC)
View the SBE program for more information about the application process for becoming certified and how to contact us for assistance.
METRO’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has determined a proposed overall goal of 16% for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in its FY23-FY25 contracts which are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) is the DBE certifying entity for Houston, Texas.
View the DBE program for more information.
Access the list of DBE Financial Institutions.
METRO’s Disability Owned Business Enterprise Program
- Is at least 51% owned, operated, managed, and controlled by individuals with a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act)
- Is at least 51% owned, operated, managed, and controlled by either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Exercises independence from any other business enterprise
- Principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
- Formed as a legal entity in the United States
- METRO recognizes certifications from external certifying entities. METRO will not perform certifications.
For more information view the METRO’s DOBE program or email us at DOBE@ridemetro.org.
METRO’s Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise Program
To be classified as a certified Veteran Owned Business, your business should meet the following qualifications:
- Is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by an individual who served in the United States active military, naval, or air service; who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; and who has at least 51% ownership in the applicant firm
- Is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Exercises independence from any other business enterprise
- Principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
- Formed as a legal entity in the United States
METRO recognizes certifications from external certifying entities. METRO will not perform certifications. For more information, view the program(Open external link) or email us at VOBE@ridemetro.org.
Learn more about the B2G Victory Team and additional training courses on the B2G Victory Event’s Page.