Phoenix is one of the fastest growing, multicultural cities in the country and has shown a historical commitment to business diversity. The city strives to advance the economic growth of local businesses through its Minority, Woman and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Program.
Through a coordinated effort among several city departments, the MWSBE Program provides MWSBE certification, procurement opportunities, construction subcontracting utilization, small business management and technical assistance and educational services and networking opportunities.
MWSBE Certification
The Equal Opportunity Department offers certification services for minority, woman and small business owners interested in participating in the MWSBE program at no cost. Certification workshops are offered monthly and staff is available to assist in the application process.
Procurement
The Finance Department provides goods and general services procurement opportunities for certified minority, woman and small business firms. Certified small businesses receive a 5 percent bid incentive for contracts and purchase orders up to $250,000 and a 2.5 percent bid incentive for contracts between $250,000 and $500,000. Small business owners may also participate in the City's SBE Reserve Contract Program, where selected goods and general services contracts are reserved for competition only among SBE firms.
Construction Subcontracting Utilization
Engineering and Architectural Services encourages the participation of minority, woman and small business firms on city-funded construction projects. MWSBE subcontracting utilization goals are established, where appropriate, on contracts of more than $50,000. Prime contractors are required to meet, or make good faith efforts to meet, MWSBE goals when bidding on City projects. Staff meets with interested MWSBE subcontractors, engineers or architects to explain the city's bid process and provides assistance in resolving MWSBE related issues between general contractors and subcontractors.
Small Business Management & Technical Assistance
The Community and Economic Development Department assists Phoenix businesses to create and retain jobs by providing business consulting services to assist in general business planning, marketing, accounting, financing and loan packaging, organizational development, human resource management and information systems. The city also provides workforce development services, tax incentives to businesses located in specific incentive areas, collateral assistance on commercial loans, business site selection and business retention and expansion services.
Educational Services and Networking Opportunities
The program also offers educational and networking services to help MWSBE firms grow and connect to new business opportunities. These services include certification workshops, procurement workshops, construction subcontracting training sessions, legal clinics, small business seminars, the annual MWSBE Showcase of Business Opportunities, business trade fairs and links to other business services.
For more information and to access application materials, visit phoenix.gov/mwsbe or call the Small Business Resource Line at 602-534-CITY (2489) or 602-534-1557/TTY.
